# lotide

> federated link aggregator software

**Wikidata**: [Q106427248](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106427248)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lotide

## Summary
Lotide is free, federated link aggregator software designed to operate within the Fediverse. It utilizes the ActivityPub protocol to enable decentralized social interaction, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute the software freely. It functions as a web service and internet forum software for sharing links across open social media networks.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Lotide is instance_of fediverse server software, free software, web service, and Internet forum software.
- **Primary Function:** It operates as a federated link aggregator.
- **Network:** It is a part of the Fediverse, an open social media network.
- **Protocol:** The software uses the ActivityPub protocol for federation.
- **License:** The software is distributed under a free software license (Wikidata ID Q27017232) and is copyrighted.
- **Source Code:** The repository is hosted on SourceHut at `https://sr.ht/~vpzom/lotide/`.
- **Server Directory:** An official list of active servers is available at `https://fedidb.org/software/lotide`.
- **Information Source:** Detailed information is described at `https://the-federation.info/lotide`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is lotide used for?
A: Lotide is used to create federated link aggregation platforms, similar to forums or link-sharing sites, that can communicate with other servers on the Fediverse. It allows users to share content and interact across different instances using a single protocol.

### Q: Is lotide free to use?
A: Yes, lotide is classified as free software. This means users are granted the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software and any modified versions of it.

### Q: How does lotide connect with other social media platforms?
A: Lotide connects to the wider Fediverse using the ActivityPub protocol. This allows it to interact with other open social media networks and services that support the same standard.

## Why It Matters
Lotide represents a significant component in the landscape of decentralized internet technologies. By providing a federated link aggregator, it addresses the centralization issues common in mainstream social media platforms. As free software, it empowers users and administrators to control their own data and infrastructure without relying on proprietary services.

Its implementation of the ActivityPub protocol ensures that it is not an isolated platform but rather an active participant in the broader Fediverse. This interoperability allows for a more connected and resilient social web, where different types of services (such as microblogging and link aggregation) can interact seamlessly. Lotide offers an alternative for communities seeking open, transparent, and modifiable tools for discussion and content sharing.

## Notable For
- **Federated Architecture:** Distinct from centralized aggregators, it operates on the Fediverse.
- **Free Software Philosophy:** Fully compliant with the definition of software that allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.
- **ActivityPub Support:** Utilizes the standard protocol for decentralized social networking, ensuring wide compatibility.
- **SourceHut Hosting:** Its source code is uniquely hosted on SourceHut rather than more common platforms like GitHub.

## Body
### Technical Specification and Classification
Lotide is defined within knowledge bases as "federated link aggregator software." It is technically classified as:
*   **Fediverse server software**
*   **Internet forum software**
*   **Web service**

The software is copyrighted but released under a free software license (identified in Wikidata as Q27017232), ensuring that the source code remains accessible and modifiable by the public.

### Protocol and Network Integration
The core utility of lotide lies in its integration with the **Fediverse** (an open social media network). It achieves this through the **ActivityPub protocol**. This technical standard allows lotide instances to exchange data with other compliant servers, creating a distributed network of communities rather than a centralized silo.

### Development and Resources
The project is actively developed and maintained on SourceHut, a platform known for focusing on free and open-source software development.
*   **Source Code Repository:** `https://sr.ht/~vpzom/lotide/`
*   **License File:** Available within the repository tree.

To track the adoption and availability of the software, specific directories have been established:
*   **Description URL:** `https://the-federation.info/lotide`
*   **Server List:** `https://fedidb.org/software/lotide`

## References

1. [Source](https://git.sr.ht/~vpzom/lotide/tree/master/item/LICENSE)
2. [Source](https://sr.ht/~vpzom/lotide/)