Cinny

Cinny is an open-source, self-hosted web app and server for communication. It functions as a dedicated client for the Matrix protocol, enabling users to engage in decentralized instant messaging and group conversations. The software is primarily accessed as a web application, though a dedicated desktop version is also available for users who prefer a standalone installation.

Deployment options for Cinny are flexible to accommodate different infrastructure needs. Users can self-host the application by downloading the distribution tarball and serving the files via a standard web server, or they can utilize the official Docker image available on DockerHub and the GitHub Container Registry. The application supports custom homeserver definitions and explore pages, which are managed through a central configuration file.

Key features

• End-to-end encryption for secure private and group conversations
• Full integration with the decentralized Matrix protocol
• Support for custom homeservers via a configurable config.json file
• Docker image availability for rapid deployment and containerization
• Hash routing option to avoid complex webserver redirect setups
• Compatibility across both web browsers and desktop environments
• Ability to deploy the application within a specific subdirectory
• Modern interface designed for ease of use and accessibility

The technical architecture of Cinny is based on ReactJS. The project is currently undergoing a significant transition as the developers replace the standard matrix-js-sdk with a custom SDK to improve performance and control. For those managing their own instances, the software provides specific guidance for configuring redirects on servers like Nginx, Caddy, and Netlify. It is intended for individuals and teams who want a secure, decentralized communication tool without sacrificing a modern user experience.

Cinny positions itself as a streamlined, secure, and elegant interface for the Matrix ecosystem.