Synapse is a popular Matrix homeserver developed by the Matrix team. It allows users to create their own Matrix server capable of handling communication across various clients.
In this tutorial, we will walk through the installation process of Synapse on OpenBSD. Here are the steps:
Before we install Synapse on OpenBSD, we need to ensure that our system meets the minimum requirements.
First, update your system to get the latest packages. Run the following command on your OpenBSD terminal:
$ sudo pkg_add -u
Next, install PostgreSQL, OpenSSL and Cython with the following command:
$ doas pkg_add postgresql-server openssl cython
Once the installation is complete, we need to enable the Postgres server. Run the following command:
$ doas rcctl enable postgresql
Finally, start the Postgres server:
$ doas rcctl start postgresql
Now that our system has the necessary packages installed, we can proceed with the Synapse installation process.
First, create a Synapse user with the following command:
$ doas useradd synapse
Next, switch to the Synapse user:
$ doas su synapse
Now, we can download Synapse. Run the following command:
$ git clone https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse.git
After cloning the Git repository, navigate to the Synapse directory:
$ cd synapse
Finally, install Synapse and its necessary dependencies:
$ pip install --user --upgrade pip
$ pip install --user -r requirements.txt
Before we can use Synapse, we need to configure it. To do this, we need to create a configuration file. Run the following command to generate a default configuration file:
$ python -m synapse.app.homeserver --server-name your.server.name --config-path /path/to/synapse/config/
Replace your.server.name with your server's name, and /path/to/synapse/config/ with the path where you want to save your configuration file.
After running the command, you will see a new file created at /path/to/synapse/config/homeserver.yaml. Open this file in your favorite text editor and configure the settings to suit your needs.
With our configuration file in place, we can start Synapse. Run the following command while in the Synapse directory:
$ python -m synapse.app.homeserver --config-path /path/to/synapse/config/
Replace /path/to/synapse/config/ with the path where you saved your configuration file.
Synapse should now be running! You can stop it by pressing CTRL + C.
In this tutorial, we walked through the process of installing Synapse on OpenBSD. We also learned how to configure and start Synapse. With this knowledge, you can create your own Matrix homeserver and communicate with others on the Matrix network.
If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!
Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!
