# FChannel > federated imageboard software **Wikidata**: [Q106657129](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106657129) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fchannel ## Summary FChannel is free, open-source imageboard software that uses the ActivityPub protocol to enable federated communication across different servers. Written in the Go programming language, it allows independent imageboard communities to interconnect and share content. The project is publicly hosted on GitHub and remains under active development. ## Key Facts - **Category:** FChannel is classified as free software and imageboard software. - **Primary Function:** The software is used to create and host imageboards. - **Federation:** It uses ActivityPub (and other protocols identified by Wikidata IDs Q192490 and Q2136322) to enable federation between instances. - **Programming Language:** The software is written in Go, a language developed by Google and the open-source community. - **Source Repository:** The code is maintained at `https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server`. - **Licensing:** The project uses the license identified by Wikidata ID Q27017232. - **Latest Version:** The most recent stable release is version 0.1.1, published on July 16, 2022. - **Development Timeline:** Three versions were released in mid-2022: v0.0.16 (June 19), v0.1.0 (June 26), and v0.1.1 (July 16). ## FAQs ### Q: What makes FChannel different from other imageboard software? A: FChannel is distinct because it is "federated." Using the ActivityPub protocol, it allows users on one FChannel server to interact with communities on other FChannel servers, unlike traditional, isolated imageboards. ### Q: Is FChannel free to use? A: Yes, FChannel is free software. This means users are free to run, study, change, and distribute both the software and any modified versions they create. ### Q: Where can I find the code for FChannel? A: The source code for FChannel is publicly available in its GitHub repository at `https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server`. ### Q: When was FChannel last updated? A: The most recent documented release is version 0.1.1, which was made available on July 16, 2022. ## Why It Matters FChannel addresses a key limitation of traditional imageboard software: centralization. By implementing the ActivityPub protocol, FChannel allows for the creation of a distributed network of imageboards. This means that communities can operate on independent servers while still being able to communicate and share content with one another, preventing any single point of failure or control. The project also matters as a practical application of modern web standards and technology. Built in the Go programming language, it represents a contemporary approach to building federated web applications. Its status as free software ensures that the platform remains transparent and adaptable, allowing a community of developers to inspect, modify, and improve the code. This positions FChannel as a significant tool for users seeking decentralized alternatives for online community building. ## Notable For - **Federated Model:** It is a pioneer in applying federation (via ActivityPub) specifically to the imageboard format. - **Decentralization:** It eliminates the single point of control inherent in traditional imageboards by allowing anyone to host a server. - **Open Source Transparency:** As free software, its codebase is fully open for audit and contribution on GitHub. - **Modern Technology Stack:** The use of the Go programming language provides a robust and efficient foundation for the software. - **Active Early Development:** The project demonstrated rapid iteration with three sequential releases over a one-month period in 2022. ## Body ### Technical Architecture FChannel is server-side software designed to host imageboard communities. Its primary technical distinction is its federated capability. While traditional imageboards operate as isolated islands, FChannel uses the ActivityPub protocol to enable communication across different servers. This allows a user on one instance to follow or interact with boards hosted on another instance. The software is built using Go, a statically typed, compiled programming language known for its efficiency and concurrency support. ### Version History The development of FChannel is documented through its release history on GitHub. The project showed significant activity in mid-2022 with three key releases: * **Version 0.1.1:** Released on July 16, 2022, this is the most current and preferred version. * **Version 0.1.0:** Released on June 26, 2022. * **Version 0.0.16:** Released on June 19, 2022. ### Project Details The project is classified as both free software and imageboard software. It is copyrighted but distributed under a license (identified in sources as Q27017232) that grants users the four essential freedoms of free software: the freedom to run, study, redistribute, and modify the program. The official source code repository is hosted on GitHub under the organization `FChannel0`. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server/blob/master/LICENSE) 2. [Source](https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server) 3. [Release 0.0.16. 2022](https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server/releases/tag/v0.0.16) 4. [Release 0.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server/releases/tag/v0.1.0) 5. [Release 0.1.1. 2022](https://github.com/FChannel0/FChannel-Server/releases/tag/v0.1.1)