Ntfy

Ntfy is an open-source, self-hosted web app and server that provides a simple HTTP-based pub-sub notification service. It allows users to send real-time notifications to mobile devices or desktops using standard HTTP requests, removing the requirement for account registration or subscription fees for basic usage. This makes it a practical choice for those who need a lightweight way to bridge the gap between server-side events and personal device alerts.

The software is deployed as a server and can be accessed via a web application, a command line interface, or dedicated mobile apps. It is primarily used by developers, system administrators, and hobbyists to receive alerts from scripts, cron jobs, or other automated processes. By sending a PUT or POST request to a specific topic, the server immediately pushes that message to all subscribed clients, enabling rapid monitoring of remote systems without the overhead of a full messaging platform.

Key features

• Send notifications via HTTP PUT and POST requests
• Pub-sub architecture for message distribution
• No sign-up requirement for basic notification delivery
• Dedicated open-source Android application
• Dedicated open-source iOS application
• Support for desktop notifications
• Self-hosting capability for full data control
• Integration with scripts and CLI tools

The server is written in Go and utilizes SQLite to provide a persistent message cache. It integrates with the Firebase Admin SDK to handle FCM messages for Android delivery and employs web-push-go to send notifications to web browsers. The web interface is built with React and Material UI, utilizing Dexie.js for persistence in IndexedDB. This architecture allows the service to remain lightweight while supporting a wide range of delivery methods across different operating systems and devices.

Ntfy serves as a minimalist utility for event streaming and push notifications for users who prefer an API-driven approach.