Zep

Zep is a self-hosted, real-time communication platform built with Svelte 5 and SpacetimeDB. It provides text, voice, and video messaging functionality designed for small groups and private communities.

Data Ownership & Privacy

• Self-Hosted: The application is designed to be hosted by the user. Data is stored in a SpacetimeDB instance controlled by the host.
• Data Isolation: Data is not used for user profiling or advertising.
• Hosting Options: Compatible with local SpacetimeDB instances or SpacetimeDB Maincloud.

Core Functionality

• Communication: Text channels, voice channels, and threaded conversations.
• Performance: Uses a client-side cache (recent_message table) for immediate channel loading, with lazy-loading for deep message history.
• WebRTC Integration: Peer-to-peer audio and screen sharing using SpacetimeDB for signaling.
• Customization: User profiles (avatars, banners, bios), server icons, and multiple CSS-based themes.
• Media Support: Built-in image uploads and custom emoji support.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: Svelte 5 (Runes), TypeScript, Vite, Vanilla CSS.
• Backend: SpacetimeDB (TypeScript WASM module).
• Communications: WebRTC.
• Desktop: Configured for Tauri.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v18+)
• pnpm
• SpacetimeDB CLI

Backend Setup

1. Navigate to the backend directory: cd spacetimedb
2. Install dependencies: npm install
3. Publish the module: spacetime publish --server maincloud zep

Frontend Setup

1. Install dependencies: pnpm install
2. Configure .env.local:

   VITE_SPACETIMEDB_HOST=wss://maincloud.spacetimedb.com
   VITE_SPACETIMEDB_DB_NAME=zep
   

3. Start development server: pnpm run dev

Deployment (Cloudflare Pages)

1. Build: pnpm run build
2. Deploy: pnpm run deploy:cloudflare

License

This project is open-source. See the LICENSE file for details.

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Important

Disclaimer: This project is "vibe coded" and makes heavy use of AI. Expect experimental patterns and rapid structural changes.