the first stable release of a protocol for organizing decentralized communications and related libraries, API (Server-Server) and specifications. It is reported that not all the intended features of Matrix are described and implemented, but the main protocol is fully stabilized and has reached a state suitable for use as a basis for developing independent implementations of clients, servers, bots and gateways. Project achievements licensed under Apache 2.0.
Simultaneously, messaging server with reference implementation . It is noted that the main attention in the preparation of Synapse 1.0 was paid to the correct implementation of the protocol, security and reliability. Synapse is now out of beta and ready for general use. The Synapse code is written in Python and can use SQLite or PostgreSQL DBMS to store data. Synapse 1.0 is the last release to support Python 2.x.
The default for creating new chats is Room protocol, but optionally available and version with support for limiting the lifetime of server keys. When migrating from previous releases, keep in mind that connecting to the common decentralized network now requires obtaining a valid TLS certificate.
You can use as clients (available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Web, Android and iOS), (CLI on Lua), (C++/Qt), (C++/Qt) and (Rust/GTK).
Features not yet stabilized in Matrix 1.0 include editing sent messages (supported in Synapse 1.0 and Riot, but not enabled by default), reactions, threaded discussions, cross-user verification, live chat statistics. Of the upcoming work in the implementation of the server, it is planned to optimize performance and reduce memory consumption. In addition to the Python reference server, experimental implementations are also being developed. (Rust) and (Go).
The Matrix decentralized communications platform is evolving as a project that uses open standards and pays great attention to ensuring the security and privacy of users. Matrix provides end-to-end encryption based on its own protocol, including the Double Ratchet algorithm (part of the Signal protocol). End-to-end encryption is used for both direct messaging and chats (using the ). The implementation of the encryption methods has been audited by the NCC Group. HTTPS+JSON is used as a transport with the ability to use WebSockets or a protocol based on +.
The system is formed as a community of servers that can interact with each other and are combined into a common decentralized network. Messages are replicated across all servers to which messaging participants are connected. Messages are propagated across servers similar to how commits are propagated between Git repositories. In the event of a temporary shutdown of the server, messages are not lost, but are transmitted to users after the server is resumed. Various user ID options are supported, including email, phone number, Facebook account, etc.
There is no single point of failure or message control in the network. All servers covered by the discussion are equal among themselves.
Any user can run their own server and connect it to the public network. It is possible to create for Matrix to interact with systems based on other protocols, for example, services for sending two-way messages to IRC, Facebook, Telegram, Skype, Hangouts, Email, WhatsApp and Slack.
In addition to instant text messaging and organizing chats, the system can be used to transfer files, send notifications,
organizing teleconferences, making voice and video calls.
Matrix allows you to use the search and unlimited viewing of the history of correspondence. It also supports advanced features such as typing notification, user online presence assessment, read confirmation, push notifications, server-side search, client history and status synchronization.
A non-profit organization was recently created to coordinate the development of the project , which will guarantee the independence of the project, develop the standards associated with the Matrix and act as a neutral platform for joint decision-making. The Matrix.org Foundation is led by a board of five directors who are not associated with the commercial ecosystem, who enjoy authority in the community and are called upon to champion the mission of the project.
The directors included John Crowcroft (, one of the pioneers of decentralized communications), Matthew Hodgson (Matthew Hodgson, co-founder of Matrix), Amandine Le Pape (Amandine Le Pape, co-founder of Matrix), Ross Schulman (Ross Schulman, lawyer from the Open Technology Institute, specializing in the Internet and decentralized systems), Jutta Steiner, co-founder of blockchain technology company Parity Technologies.
Source: opennet.ru