---
title: 'Matrix'
date: 2024-02-25T11:24:58+01:00
weight: 5
---

[Matrix](https://matrix.org/) aims to be a secure but simple standard featuring
end-to-end encrypted (E2EE)[^1] messaging, Voice over IP (VoIP), Video calls
and bridging to other communication protocols while providing decentralization
and preserving privacy. This can be done by self-hosting a federated[^2]
homeserver like [Synapse](synapse/). To connect with me, register at another
[public server](public-server-list/)  and join my Matrix room found at the
[about](/about/#contact) page.

{{< figure src="img/matrix-logo.svg" alt="Matrix logo" width="25%" >}}

## Basic concepts

The [Matrix Specification](https://spec.matrix.org/latest/) defines the parts of
the protocol and is rather overwhelming for new users. For this reason some of
the main characteristics are condensed in the following. 

### User ID

In Matrix, a [user ID](https://spec.matrix.org/latest/#users) begins with an at 
(`@`) character followed by the username and domain name, which are separated by
a colon (`:`). For example:

```
@username:example.org
```

### Room

The same way IRC[^3] is organised Matrix uses the concept of [public rooms](https://matrix.org/docs/chat_basics/public-rooms/)
to represent conversations. Rooms have a random unique identifier that is set at
creation time and can be referred to using an alias. To distinguish [room aliases](https://spec.matrix.org/latest/#room-aliases) from users at a matrix server 
rooms are identified by a hashtag (`#`) instead of an `@` character leading to
the following syntax for a room alias:

```
#room_alias:exmaple.org
```

There's a web service at https://matrix.to/ provided by the Matrix.org
Foundation for linking users, rooms and messages, which can ease onboarding.
Additionally, https://view.matrix.org lists rooms that can be joined without 
invitation and provides information such as member count and topic. Following
their links displays a history of messages in this room.

## Guides

{{< cards >}}
  {{< card link="public-server-list" title="Public server list" icon="login" >}}
  {{< card link="synapse" title="Synapse" icon="server" >}}
{{< /cards >}}

[^1]: [End-to-end encryption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption)
in the Wikipedia
[^2]: [Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_(information_technology)) in the Wikipedia
[^3]: [Internet Relay Chat (IRC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intenet_Relay_Chat) in the Wikipedia