Conduit
Fast, lightweight Matrix homeserver written in Rust.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Conduit?
Conduit is an open-source chat server implementation designed to host decentralized communication networks based on the Matrix protocol. It enables users to create private, self-hosted chat services that support interoperability with other Matrix servers and external platforms like Discord. The tool is particularly suited for individuals and organizations seeking lightweight, low-resource solutions for secure messaging without relying on centralized services. By leveraging the Matrix ecosystem, Conduit addresses the need for decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication while maintaining simplicity in deployment. Its beta status indicates it is functional but still evolving, with ongoing development aimed at refining features and stability. The project emphasizes ease of setup, making it accessible for users with limited technical expertise while maintaining performance advantages over some alternatives through its use of RocksDB as the default database.
How it works
Conduit is a lightweight server implementation of the Matrix protocol, enabling users to self-host chat services that support decentralized communication. It allows individuals and organizations to establish private messaging networks while interoperating with other Matrix servers and external platforms via bridges. The primary purpose of Conduit is to provide a simple, fast, and reliable way to run a Matrix homeserver with minimal system requirements. It prioritizes ease of setup, making it ideal for users who want to avoid complex configurations typically associated with Matrix deployments. Conduit operates as a single binary with an embedded database, reducing dependencies and simplifying deployment. It uses RocksDB by default for efficient data storage and retrieval, which contributes to its performance advantages in certain scenarios. The tool supports core Matrix features like end-to-end encryption, room management, and user authentication, while its beta status indicates ongoing development to refine functionality.
How to use it
- 1Download the Conduit binary from its GitLab repository. 2. Configure the server by editing the configuration file to set database paths, admin credentials, and network settings. 3. Run the server using the provided binary, which initializes the embedded database and starts the Matrix service. 4. Access the admin interface via a web browser to manage users, rooms, and server settings. Practical tips include ensuring sufficient disk space for RocksDB, using a static IP for consistent connectivity, and monitoring logs for setup issues. For production use, consider separating the database from the main process for scalability.
What it can do
- matrix server
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/conduit-rust/conduit
- license: Apache-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Incomplete feature set compared to mature Matrix servers like Synapse
- Limited scalability for very large user bases due to single-binary architecture
- Dependence on RocksDB, which may require additional configuration for optimal performance
- Beta status means potential instability or missing edge-case handling
- Smaller community support compared to more established Matrix implementations
Understanding the result
Fast, lightweight Matrix homeserver written in Rust.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (Apache-2.0).
- Built with
- (conduit-rust/conduit)
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with conduit-rust/conduit. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- Apache-2.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- Apache-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Conduit and how does it differ from other Matrix servers?
Conduit is a lightweight Matrix server implementation focused on simplicity and low resource usage. Unlike Synapse, which is more feature-complete but complex to configure, Conduit uses a single binary with an embedded database to reduce dependencies. It prioritizes ease of setup for users who want a basic Matrix homeserver without advanced customization options.
How does Conduit handle data storage and retrieval?
Conduit uses RocksDB as its default database, which is a high-performance key-value store optimized for fast read/write operations. This choice contributes to Conduit's speed in certain scenarios compared to other Matrix servers that might use SQLite or PostgreSQL. Users can configure alternative databases if needed, but RocksDB is recommended for minimal setup.
How do I set up Conduit for the first time?
Download the Conduit binary from GitLab, edit the configuration file to set database paths and admin credentials, run the binary to initialize the database, and access the admin interface via a web browser. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements (Linux, 64-bit) and allocate sufficient disk space for RocksDB.
How does Conduit compare to Synapse or Element?
Conduit is designed for simplicity and low resource usage, making it suitable for small-scale deployments, while Synapse is a more feature-complete Matrix server that supports advanced federation and scalability. Element is a client application for Matrix, not a server. Conduit's single-binary model contrasts with Synapse's modular architecture, which offers greater customization but requires more complex setup.
What should I do if Conduit fails to start?
Check the logs for error messages, which may indicate issues with the database configuration or missing dependencies. Ensure the specified database path has proper write permissions and sufficient space. If RocksDB is not working, try specifying an alternative database backend if supported. Verify that the binary is compatible with your operating system and architecture.