Matrix is an open standard for interoperable, decentralised, real-time communication over IP.
It can be used to power Instant Messaging, VoIP/WebRTC signalling, Internet of Things communication – or anywhere you need a standard HTTP API for publishing and subscribing to data whilst tracking the conversation history.
The standard can integrate with standard web services via WebRTC, facilitating browser-to-browser applications.
Matrix provides:
- Open Standard HTTP APIs for transferring JSON messages (e.g. instant messages, WebRTC signalling), including:
- Client<->Server API – defines how Matrix compatible clients communicate with Matrix home servers.
- Server<->Server API – defines how Matrix home servers exchange messages and synchronise history with each other.
- Application Service API – defines how to extend the functionality of Matrix with ‘integrations’ and bridge to other networks.
- Modules – specifies features that must be implemented by particular classes of clients.
- Lots of 3rd party contributions of clients, SDKs, servers and services.
This roundup features the finest terminal-based Matrix clients. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion. GUI Matrix clients are explored in this roundup.
Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart.
Click the links in the table below to learn all about each client.
| Terminal-Based Matrix Clients | |
|---|---|
| iamb | Matrix client for Vim addicts |
| Gomuks | Terminal Matrix client written in Go |
| Ement.el | Matrix client for Emacs |
| matrix-commander | Simple but convenient CLI-based Matrix client |
| mnotify | Send notifications from a headless server |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
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