Moonbeam.town Wiki

Matrix is, at its core, a protocol for maintaining synchronous JSON databases across multiple servers. The practical upshot of this is that, combined with the right client software, it is possible to use this protocol for single- and multi-user chats. Matrix, along with XMPP, is one of the “big two” open-source federated chat back-ends. While both are open-source and secure, Matrix has significant corporate and (French) government backing, meaning the client software is much more robust than anything available for XMPP.

While XMPP does have its place, and is less resource-intensive than Matrix, the latter is more polished, user-friendly, and consistent. Matrix also has a few useful features that XMPP lacks, such as reliable multi-user chat encryption. Matrix can also be bridged to other chat services, including XMPP, should the need arise. For these reasons, I've opted to use Matrix as Moonbeam.town's primary chat service.

You can:

• Start one-on-one encrypted conversations with other users
• Start or join one of our server's chat rooms
• Upload pictures or other media
• Voice or video call other users or chat rooms

Moonbeam.town's matrix server can be accessed in one of three ways: via your web browser, via the desktop client, or via a mobile client. All are called Element and all are generally equal in features.

1. Download and install the “Element” app from F-Droid (here) or Google Play.
2. Open the client. You will be presented with a welcome splash screen.
3. Click “Get started”
4. You will be brought to a page that says “Select a server.” Click “Sign in with Matrix ID”, at the bottom of the page.
5. Enter your Matrix ID and password.
   1. Your Matrix ID is @username:moonbeam.town, where “username” is the ID you use to log into Moonbeam.town
   2. Your password is the same password you use to log into Moonbeam.town.
6. Click “Sign in.”
7. From here, you will be brought to the Direct Messages page, where you may message other users directly. Matrix doesn't have a contact list, per se – your “contacts” are the users you have an active Direct Messages conversation with. You can start a new conversation by clicking the round green button with the chat bubble and a plus sign at the bottom right corner of the screen, then entering the desired user's Matrix ID (e.g. @wraidd:moonbeam.town).
8. If you wish to join or create a multi-user chat, switch to the “Rooms” screen by touching the # at the bottom of the Direct Messages screen. You then click the round green button with the “#+” at the bottom right corner of the screen to be brought to the public room list. You may also join a public chat directly by entering the room ID in the search box at the top of the page (e.g. #commons:moonbeam.town).