Overview:
Revolt is an open-source chat application backend, providing the services and libraries necessary to run the Revolt messaging platform. It offers a real-time communication infrastructure comparable to platforms like Discord and Slack. This repository contains the core backend logic, including REST API and WebSocket servers, file handling, user presence, and permission management. It is designed for developers, system administrators, and community operators looking to deploy or contribute to the Revolt ecosystem, with support for self-hosting and full data control.
Core Features:
Real-time messaging via WebSocket: Uses a WebSocket events server (
bonfire) for live message delivery and user presence updates.REST API server: Central API (
delta) for creating and managing channels, messages, users, and server configurations.File upload and storage: Dedicated file server (
autumn) with support for S3 and encryption subroutines.User presence system: Tracks user online/offline status and activity within the platform.
Permission logic: Granular permission handling for roles and channels, enforced at the backend level.
Use Cases:
Developers building custom chat clients: Integrate with the Revolt API to create alternative frontends or bots.
System administrators deploying an independent messaging server: Run a self-hosted chat platform with full control over data and infrastructure.
Community operators managing private communication spaces: Set up and customize servers with role-based access controls.
Why It Matters:
As the open-source backend for an actively developed chat platform, Revolt provides a transparent, auditable codebase for those seeking a self-hosted alternative to proprietary messaging services. Its modular architecture—separating REST, WebSocket, file, and proxy services—allows for selective scaling and customization. Developers can contribute directly or fork the project to meet specific privacy and compliance requirements, making it a practical foundation for independent communication infrastructure.
