Octobox

Octobox is an open-source, self-hosted web application that provides an inbox-style interface for managing GitHub notifications. It allows users to triage notifications by adding an archived state, ensuring that items are only removed from view once they are marked as done. If new activity occurs on an archived thread, issue, or pull request, the application automatically moves the item back into the inbox during the next sync.

The software is deployed as a server application but can also be used as a desktop app via Nativefier or through a cross-browser web extension for Chrome and Firefox. It requires web notifications to be enabled in GitHub settings to function correctly. Users can also enable vulnerability notifications within their GitHub settings to track those specific alerts within the interface.

Key features

• Archive notifications to mark them as done
• Star important notifications for easy retrieval
• View CI status, labels, and issue status alongside notifications
• Filter by repository, organisation, type, action, state, and reason
• Search notifications using prefix filters
• Navigate and triage using Gmail-inspired keyboard shortcuts
• Synchronise and view comment threads in a dedicated view
• Manage notifications and settings via a REST API

Built with Ruby on Rails, the application is designed for open source maintainers and developers who manage multiple active projects. It provides a structured way to track follow-ups without relying on external email filters or labels. The system includes a full REST API with an OpenAPI specification for programmatic management of notifications, users, and pinned searches. For those who prefer a local experience, the application can be wrapped into a standalone executable for Windows or macOS.

Octobox serves as a specialized triage tool for GitHub users who require more granular control over their notification workflow and a dedicated space to manage project communication.