# Iceshrimp

> decentralized and federated social networking service, implementing the ActivityPub standard

**Wikidata**: [Q136006741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136006741)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iceshrimp

## Summary
Iceshrimp is a decentralized and federated social networking service that implements the ActivityPub standard. It is part of the Fediverse, an open social media network using the ActivityPub protocol. Iceshrimp is open-source software written in TypeScript and is based on the discontinued Firefish platform.

## Key Facts
- Iceshrimp is a distributed social network that implements the ActivityPub standard for federated social networking.
- The software is written in TypeScript, a programming language that is a superset of JavaScript.
- Iceshrimp is part of the Fediverse, an open social media network using the ActivityPub protocol.
- The project has multiple license options including Apache Software License 2.0 and MIT License.
- Iceshrimp depends on Node.js and Vue.js for its operation.
- The software is cross-platform and available as AUR packages (iceshrimp-git, iceshrimp, iceshrimp-bin).
- Iceshrimp has been replaced by Iceshrimp.NET according to the project documentation.
- The source code repository is hosted on Forgejo at https://iceshrimp.dev/iceshrimp/iceshrimp.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Iceshrimp and how does it work?
A: Iceshrimp is a decentralized social networking service that uses the ActivityPub protocol to enable federated communication between different servers. It allows users to post content, follow others, and interact across different instances in the Fediverse network.

### Q: What programming language is Iceshrimp written in?
A: Iceshrimp is written in TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript that compiles to JavaScript. It also depends on Node.js for server-side operations and Vue.js for frontend components.

### Q: Is Iceshrimp still being developed?
A: According to the project documentation, Iceshrimp has been replaced by Iceshrimp.NET, suggesting that development has moved to this new platform.

## Why It Matters
Iceshrimp represents an important contribution to the decentralized social media movement, offering users an alternative to centralized platforms like Twitter or Facebook. By implementing the ActivityPub standard, Iceshrimp enables users to participate in the Fediverse, a network of interconnected social platforms that prioritize user privacy, data ownership, and community governance. The project's use of TypeScript demonstrates modern web development practices, while its open-source nature allows for community collaboration and transparency. As concerns about data privacy and corporate control of social media continue to grow, platforms like Iceshrimp provide a viable alternative that puts users back in control of their social networking experience. The transition to Iceshrimp.NET also shows the evolution and ongoing development within the decentralized social media ecosystem.

## Notable For
- Implements the ActivityPub standard for federated social networking
- Written in TypeScript, demonstrating modern web development practices
- Part of the Fediverse, contributing to the decentralized social media movement
- Available as open-source software with multiple licensing options
- Based on Firefish, showing evolution within the decentralized social networking space

## Body
### Technical Foundation
Iceshrimp is built using TypeScript, a statically typed superset of JavaScript that compiles to plain JavaScript. This choice provides better tooling, error detection, and maintainability compared to plain JavaScript. The platform requires Node.js for server-side operations and Vue.js for frontend development, creating a modern full-stack JavaScript application.

### Federation and Standards
As an ActivityPub-compliant service, Iceshrimp can communicate with any other platform that implements this W3C standard. This federation capability allows users on different servers to interact seamlessly, share content, and build communities across the broader Fediverse network. The ActivityPub protocol handles everything from user authentication to content delivery and real-time updates.

### Open Source and Licensing
The project is distributed under multiple licenses, including the Apache Software License 2.0 and MIT License. This dual-licensing approach provides flexibility for different use cases and deployment scenarios. The source code is publicly available on Forgejo, a self-hosted Git service, promoting transparency and community contribution.

### Distribution and Deployment
Iceshrimp is available through the Arch User Repository (AUR) with three different package options: iceshrimp-git, iceshrimp, and iceshrimp-bin. This availability through AUR makes it accessible to Arch Linux users who prefer package manager installations. The cross-platform nature of the software means it can run on various operating systems where Node.js is supported.

### Evolution and Replacement
Documentation indicates that Iceshrimp has been replaced by Iceshrimp.NET, suggesting an evolution in the project's development. This transition may represent improvements in features, architecture, or user experience while maintaining the core principles of decentralized social networking.

## References

1. [Source](https://iceshrimp.dev/iceshrimp/iceshrimp/src/commit/046d237af47e781b995f96b20a5e52fbecba6cfa/README.md)
2. [Source](https://iceshrimp.dev/iceshrimp/iceshrimp/src/commit/046d237af47e781b995f96b20a5e52fbecba6cfa/COPYING)