AskIt
76e7d7fd55
- Create new GET /api/swarm/users/[handle] endpoint for federated user profile queries - Add SwarmUserProfile and SwarmUserPost interfaces for standardized remote profile data - Include user profile metadata (handle, displayName, bio, avatar, stats) in swarm responses - Fetch and include user's recent posts with media and link preview data - Implement fetchSwarmUserPosts helper to query remote Synapsis nodes via swarm API - Update /api/users/[handle]/posts to prioritize swarm API for Synapsis node federation - Replace profile page back navigation from Link to router.back() button for better UX - Add proper error handling and suspended user filtering in swarm endpoint - Support configurable post limit (max 50) for swarm profile queries
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 interoperable with the broader Fediverse.
Features
- Federation Ready: Built with ActivityPub compatibility for cross-platform communication.
- Decentralized Identity (DIDs): Portable identity system that you truly own.
- 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.
📖 User Guide
New to Synapsis or the Fediverse? Visit the /guide page in the app for a comprehensive walkthrough on:
- What the Fediverse is and how it works
- How Synapsis differs from platforms like Mastodon
- How to follow users on other servers
- 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 federated interoperability.
🔐 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.
- Future Portability: The foundation for moving your account between nodes without losing followers.
🌐 Federation via ActivityPub
Synapsis is designed as a network of independent Nodes that communicate using the ActivityPub protocol.
- Sovereign Data: Communities run their own Synapsis nodes with their own rules.
- Interconnectivity: A user on Node A can follow and interact with a user on Node B.
- Fediverse Compatibility: Synapsis can communicate with Mastodon, Pleroma, Misskey, and other ActivityPub platforms.
How it works:
- WebFinger: When you search for
@user@other-server.com, WebFinger discovers their profile. - Follow Request: Synapsis sends an ActivityPub
Followactivity to the remote server. - Content Delivery: When they post, it's delivered to your inbox via ActivityPub.
🆚 Synapsis vs. Mastodon
| Feature | Mastodon | Synapsis |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Server-bound (@user@server) |
DID-based (cryptographic, portable) |
| Account Migration | Limited (followers don't auto-migrate) | Supported: Full DID-based migration with auto-follow |
| Cryptographic Signing | HTTP Signatures only | Full post signing with user keys |
| Protocol | ActivityPub | ActivityPub + DID layer |
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
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.