Christopher
44610157a1
Introduces a new chat page with end-to-end encryption, conversation list, and message thread UI. Adds new API endpoints for unread message count and debugging chat keys/messages. Improves chat key validation and reciprocal conversation/message creation for local recipients. Removes the old ChatWidget component. Updates login and chat API logic for better Turnstile and key handling.
Synapsis
Synapsis is an open-source, federated social network built to serve as global communication infrastructure. It is designed to be lightweight, easy to deploy, and built on the Synapsis Swarm network.
Features
- Swarm Network: Native peer-to-peer network for Synapsis nodes with gossip protocol.
- Swarm Chat: End-to-end encrypted chat system built for the swarm.
- Decentralized Identity (DIDs): Portable identity system that you truly own.
- AI Bots: Create and manage AI-powered bot accounts with custom personalities.
- Modern UI: Clean, responsive interface inspired by Vercel's design system.
- Rich Media: Support for image uploads and media galleries.
- Moderation: Built-in admin dashboard for user management and content moderation.
- Setup Wizard: User-friendly
/installflow to get your node running in minutes. - Curated Feeds: Smart feed algorithms to highlight engaging content across the swarm.
📖 User Guide
New to Synapsis? Visit the /guide page in the app for a comprehensive walkthrough on:
- How the Swarm network works
- How Synapsis differs from traditional social networks
- How to follow users on other nodes
- How others can follow you
- Understanding Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and portable identity
Architecture & Concepts
Synapsis differs from traditional social networks by prioritizing sovereign identity and native peer-to-peer communication.
🔐 Decentralized Identity (DIDs)
Unlike centralized platforms where your identity is a row in a database owned by a corporation, Synapsis uses a cryptographic identity system:
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| DID | A unique, cryptographically-generated identifier (did:key:...) assigned to every user. This is your true identity that exists independently of any server. |
| Handle | A human-readable username (@alice) that points to your DID. Think of it like a domain name pointing to an IP address. |
| Key Pair | Every account has a public/private key pair. Your private key proves you are you; your public key lets others verify your identity. |
Why this matters:
- Ownership: Your identity is cryptographically yours, not controlled by a company.
- Authenticity: Every post is signed with your private key, proving it came from you.
- True Portability: Move your account between nodes without losing followers.
🌐 The Swarm Network
Synapsis operates on the Swarm — a native peer-to-peer network designed specifically for Synapsis nodes:
- Gossip Protocol: Nodes discover each other automatically and exchange information.
- Swarm Timeline: Aggregated feed of posts from across all Synapsis nodes.
- Swarm Chat: End-to-end encrypted direct messaging between users on any Synapsis node.
- Handle Registry: Distributed directory of user handles across the swarm.
- Instant Interactions: Likes, reposts, follows, and mentions delivered in real-time.
Swarm Features:
- Real-time post delivery across the network
- Encrypted chat with read receipts
- Automatic node discovery and health monitoring
- Distributed user directory
- Cross-node interactions (likes, reposts, follows)
🆚 Synapsis vs. Traditional Federation
| Feature | Traditional Federation | Synapsis |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Server-bound (@user@server) |
DID-based (cryptographic, portable) |
| Account Migration | Limited (followers don't auto-migrate) | Full: DID-based migration with auto-follow |
| Cryptographic Signing | HTTP Signatures only | Full post signing with user keys |
| Direct Messages | Posts with limited visibility | True E2E encrypted chat |
| Network Discovery | Manual server discovery | Automatic gossip protocol |
| AI Bots | Not supported | Native bot framework with LLM integration |
| Interactions | Queue-based, delayed | Instant delivery via Swarm |
Tech Stack
- Framework: Next.js 15+ (App Router)
- Database: PostgreSQL (via Neon / Drizzle ORM)
- Styling: Tailwind CSS v4 & custom Vercel-like design system
- Authentication: Auth.js (NextAuth)
- Type Safety: TypeScript
Recent Updates
Swarm Chat (Latest)
- End-to-end encrypted messaging between Synapsis users
- Real-time delivery across nodes
- Read receipts and delivery status
- No legacy protocol limitations - built for the swarm
- See SWARM_CHAT.md for details
Bug Fixes
- Fixed remote users appearing in local user lists
- Fixed duplicate posts in swarm feeds
- Improved swarm timeline filtering to only show local posts
Swarm Network Improvements
- Enhanced gossip protocol for node discovery
- Improved handle registry synchronization
- Better error handling for cross-node communication
Run Your Own Node
For complete setup instructions, visit the official documentation:
📚 docs.synapsis.social/run-your-own-node
License
Licensed under the Apache 2.0 License. See LICENSE for details.