Okay/Spec: Difference between revisions

No edit summary
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
#firstHeading::after { content: " The Specification."; }
#firstHeading::after { content: " The Specification."; }
}}{{spec|Okay.}}
}}{{spec|Okay.}}
<p class="lede">'''Okay''' dares to ask the big questions. What if group chat was hypertext? What if discord let you write arbitrary HTML? What if protocols were bad?</p>
 
<p class="lede">
'''Okay''' dares to ask the big questions. What if group chat was hypertext? What if discord let you write arbitrary HTML? What if protocols were bad?
</p>
 
== in summary ==
== in summary ==
The '''Okay''' standard introduces a simple and flexible way to represent group chats within HTML documents, and some methods of interacting with them.


Okay is a group chat protocol. You connect to “'''Spaces'''” which contain “'''Rooms'''” which contain “'''People'''” who “'''Talk'''” by sending and receiving “'''Messages'''” to and from the “'''Server'''”.
* ''[[Okay/Spec#messages|Messages]]'' are sent to ''[[Okay/Spec#rooms|Rooms]]'', which are organised into ''[[Okay/Spec#spaces|Spaces]]''.
 
* Like all good protocols, all communication happens over HTTP(S) and WebSockets.  
* A room is just a special URI which you can POST messages to and GET them back from at a later date.
* All data in Okay is formatted according to standardised HTML patterns (much like how [https://microformats.org/wiki/about Microformats] work). We call these [[Okay/Spec#michaelformats|Michaelformats]] because I thought it would be funny.
* You can use WebSockets to get a real-time feed of events that you’re interested in.
* You can receive events as they happen by [[Okay/Spec#subscriptions|subscribing]] to them.
* Pretty much everything is represented as HTML over the wire. This allows most client implementations skip the bit where they convert every message into HTML, while providing a stable format for non-web platforms to convert into their own inferior representations. Other benefits include allowing users to browse most spaces with just their web browser, and letting you do really really stupid things with your messages.
* Authentication uses the magic of client-side certificates. When a user adds a space, the client registers itself with the server using a fresh certificate, and then uses that to sign each subsequent request.
* Authentication works by just signing every request with a key that gets generated by the client on first use.


== the warning (Hot Chip album) ==
== the warning (Hot Chip album) ==
Line 16: Line 20:


== conventions ==
== conventions ==
 
The key words “<span class="must">must</span>”, “<span class="mustnt">must not</span>”, “<span class="must">required</span>”, “<span class="must">shall</span>”, “<span class="mustnt">shall not</span>”, “<span class="should">should</span>”, “<span class="shouldnt">should not</span>”, “<span class="should">recommended</span>”, “<span class="may">may</span>”, and “<span class="may">optional</span>” in this document are to be interpreted as described in [https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/bcp14 BCP14], although we use bold colourful text instead of capitals (so it doesn’t look like we’re yelling at you. This is a relaxed and cordial protocol specification).
The key words “<span class="must">must</span>”, “<span class="mustnt">must not</span>”, “<span class="must">required</span>”, “<span class="must">shall</span>”, “<span class="mustnt>shall not</span>”, “<span class="should">should</span>”, “<span class="shouldnt">should not</span>”, “<span class="should">recommended</span>”, “<span class="may">may</span>”, and “<span class="may">optional</span>” in this document are to be interpreted as described in [https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/bcp14 BCP14], although we use bold colourful text instead of capitals (so it doesn’t look like we’re yelling at you. This is a relaxed and cordial protocol specification).


== controversies ==
== controversies ==
 
* <s>What “server” means is kind of nebulous.</s>
* <del>What “server” means is kind of nebulous.</del>
* What do we do about invalid HTML?
* What do we do about invalid HTML?
* Should room names be unique?
* check out webauthn. maybe it's a better idea than client side certs lol


== connections ==
== connections ==
Line 30: Line 34:


* The user hands the client a URI to examine;
* The user hands the client a URI to examine;
* The client issues a GET request to the URI and checks the response against the [[Okay#discovery|discovery requirements]];
* The client issues a GET request to the URI and checks the response against the [[Okay/Spec#discovery|discovery requirements]];
* If the response meets all requirements, it generates a new key pair and [[Okay#registration|registers]] itself;
* If the response meets all requirements, it generates a new key pair and [[Okay/Spec#registration|registers]] itself;
* Once everyone’s happy, the client can begin posting messages to rooms.
* Once everyone’s happy, the client can begin posting messages to rooms.


Line 41: Line 45:


=== looking for stuff ===
=== looking for stuff ===
=== linking to stuff ===
Unless otherwise specified, michaelformats can be included inline or '''linked''' in a <code><a/></code> or <code><link/></code> element, using the michaelformat's name as the <code>rel</code> attribute.
As an example, each of these elements are functionally equivalent:<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><!-- a room directory, rendered inline -->
<div class="ok-rooms">
    <!-- ... -->
</div>


=== linking to stuff ===
<!-- a room directory, linked with an anchor tag -->
<a href="/rooms/" rel="ok-rooms">Room Directory</a>


Links in Okay follow the same rules as in standard HTML.
<!-- a room directory, linked with an link tag -->
<link href="/rooms/" rel="ok-rooms"></syntaxhighlight>The value of the <code>href</code> attribute <span class="must">must</span> be a ''valid URL potentially surrounded by spaces'', as [https://html.spec.whatwg.org/multipage/urls-and-fetching.html#valid-url-potentially-surrounded-by-spaces defined in the HTML standard].  


When a client encounters a URI with a fragment, it <span class="must">must</span> search for an element with a matching <code>id</code> in the linked document. If the specified element is present, the client <span class="mustnt">must not</span> scan the document for the desired markup, and instead consider the linked element to be the desired markup. If multiple instances of the same <code>id</code> exist in the document, the client <span class="must">must</span> ignore all but the first instance. <span class="todo">make this make sense</span>
When a client encounters a URI with a fragment, it <span class="must">must</span> search for an element with a matching <code>id</code> in the linked document. If the specified element is present, the client <span class="mustnt">must not</span> scan the document for the desired markup, and instead consider the linked element to be the desired markup. If multiple instances of the same <code>id</code> exist in the document, the client <span class="must">must</span> ignore all but the first instance. <span class="todo">make this make sense</span>


== talking to servers ==
== sending stuff ==
Sometimes you need to send stuff to the server. That's fine. That's okay. You'll be okay.
 
=== forms ===
Forms come in various forms.
 
Servers must accept form responses as <code>application/x-www-form-urlencoded</code> or <code>application/json</code>.


== spaces ==
== spaces ==
 
Conceptually, a '''space''' is an isolated container that stores room state and user data. They are each represented by a [[Okay/Spec#ok-space|HTML element]] which provides URIs for clients to send their requests to (for example, its [[Okay/Spec#rooms|room directory]] or [[Okay/Spec#initiation|registration page]]). The URI of the document that contains this is called the space’s '''root URI'''.
Conceptually, a '''space''' is an isolated container that stores room state and user data. They are each represented by a [[Okay#ok-space|HTML element]] which provides URIs for clients to send their requests to (for example, its [[Okay#rooms|room directory]] or [[Okay#initiation|registration page]]). The URI of the document that contains this is called the space’s '''root URI'''.


=== discovery ===
=== discovery ===
For a client to recognise a document as containing a space, it <span class="must">must</span>:
For a client to recognise a document as containing a space, it <span class="must">must</span>:


Line 62: Line 79:
* Respond with a valid HTML document; <span class="todo">define valid</span>
* Respond with a valid HTML document; <span class="todo">define valid</span>
* Have the Access-Control-Allow-Origin header set to <code>*</code>;
* Have the Access-Control-Allow-Origin header set to <code>*</code>;
* Contain valid [[Okay#the element thereof|ok-space]] markup.
* Contain valid [[Okay/Spec#the element thereof|ok-space]] markup.


If a document contains multiple spaces, the client <span class="should">should</span> prompt the user to select which space it should use.
If a document contains multiple spaces, the client <span class="should">should</span> prompt the user to select which space it should use.


==== ok-space ====
==== ok-space ====
 
Spaces are declared using the '''ok-space''' [[Okay/Spec#michaelformats|michaelformat]]. Upon retrieving a document, the client <span class="must">must</span> scan for elements with the <code>ok-space</code> class, as well as [[Okay/Spec#linking to other spaces|links and anchors]] with the <code>ok-space</code> rel attribute. Here's an example of valid <code>ok-space</code> markup:<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><nav class="ok-space">
Spaces are declared using the '''ok-space''' [[Okay#michaelformats|michaelformat]]. Upon retrieving a document, the client <span class="must">must</span> scan for elements with the <code>ok-space</code> class, as well as [[Okay#linking to other spaces|links and anchors]] with the <code>ok-space</code> rel attribute. Here's an example of valid <code>ok-space</code> markup:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><nav class="ok-space">
   <h1>This is an Okay space</h1>
   <h1>This is an Okay space</h1>
   <a href="/rooms/" rel="ok-rooms">Rooms</a>
   <a href="/rooms/" rel="ok-rooms">Rooms</a>
   <a href="/register/" rel="ok-register">Registration</a>
   <a href="/register/" rel="ok-register">Registration</a>
   <a href="/prefs/" rel="ok-prefs">Preferences</a>
   <a href="/prefs/" rel="ok-prefs">Preferences</a>
</nav></syntaxhighlight>
</nav></syntaxhighlight>For an element to be considered valid <code>ok-space</code> markup, it <span class="must">must</span> be a non-void element (ideally a <code><nav /></code>) with the <code>ok-space</code> class and contain anchor elements with valid <code>rel</code> and <code>href</code> attributes. Any invalid anchors or elements not specified in the format <span class="must">must</span> be ignored by the client. The inner text of the anchor elements is not significant and <span class="must">must</span>be ignored by clients.
 
For an element to be considered valid <code>ok-space</code> markup, it <span class="must">must</span> be a non-void element (ideally a <code><nav /></code>) with the <code>ok-space</code> class and contain anchor elements with valid <code>rel</code> and <code>href</code> attributes. Any invalid anchors or elements not specified in the format <span class="must">must</span> be ignored by the client. The inner text of the anchor elements is not significant and <span class="must">must</span> be ignored by clients.


A list of valid anchor <code>rel</code> attributes and their purposes is described below:
A list of valid anchor <code>rel</code> attributes and their purposes is described below:


'''Key''': <span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span> '''required'''</span>, <span class="optional><span class="symbol">◇</span> '''optional'''</span>, <span class="multiple"><span class="symbol">❖</span> '''can be specified multiple times'''
'''Key''': <span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span> '''required'''</span>, <span class="optional"><span class="symbol">◇</span> '''optional'''</span>, <span class="multiple"><span class="symbol">❖</span> '''can be specified multiple times'''</span>
 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
|<span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span></span>
|<span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span></span>
|<span class="required"><code>'''ok-rooms'''</code></span>
|<span class="required"><code>'''ok-rooms'''</code></span>
|The space's [[Okay#the directory|room directory]].
|The space's [[Okay/Spec#the directory|room directory]].
|-
|-
|<span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span></span>
|<span class="required"><span class="symbol">◈</span></span>
Line 99: Line 110:


==== linking to other spaces ====
==== linking to other spaces ====
A document can direct clients to another document containing a space using an <code><a /></code> or <code><link /></code> element with the <code>rel="ok-space"</code> attribute. The client <span class="must">must</span> scan the linked document for valid <code>ok-space</code> markup, but it <span class="mustnt">must not</span> follow any further links or anchors with the <code>rel="ok-space"</code> attribute.
A document can direct clients to another document containing a space using an <code><a /></code> or <code><link /></code> element with the <code>rel="ok-space"</code> attribute. The client <span class="must">must</span> scan the linked document for valid <code>ok-space</code> markup, but it <span class="mustnt">must not</span> follow any further links or anchors with the <code>rel="ok-space"</code> attribute.


The URI provided <span class="may">may</span> include a fragment component to specify which element the client should treat as [[Okay#ok-space|ok-space]] markup (e.g., <code><nowiki>https://example.com/#my-elem</nowiki></code>). The linked element <span class="must">must</span> be valid <code>ok-space</code> markup. If the fragment is specified and the corresponding element is present in the linked document, the client <span class="mustnt">must not</span> scan any other part of the document for <code>ok-space</code> markup. <syntaxhighlight lang="html"><!-- link to a space with the id "space" -->
The URI provided <span class="may">may</span> include a fragment component to specify which element the client should treat as [[Okay/Spec#ok-space|ok-space]]<nowiki/>markup (e.g., <code><nowiki>https://example.com/#my-elem</nowiki></code>). The linked element <span class="must">must</span> be valid <code>ok-space</code> markup. If the fragment is specified and the corresponding element is present in the linked document, the client <span class="mustnt">must not</span> scan any other part of the document for <code>ok-space</code> markup.<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><!-- link to a space with the id "space" -->
<link rel="ok-space" href="https://example.ok/#space" />
<link rel="ok-space" href="https://example.ok/#space" />
<!-- anchors work, too. thanks to the lack of fragment (the bit after the #),  
<!-- anchors work, too. thanks to the lack of fragment (the bit after the #),  
Line 111: Line 121:


==== metadata ====
==== metadata ====
Spaces can provide metadata about themselves to help users identify them.<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><nav class="ok-space">
Spaces can provide metadata about themselves to help users identify them.<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><nav class="ok-space">
     <h1 class="ok-title"></h1>
     <h1 class="ok-title"></h1>
Line 146: Line 155:


== initiation ==
== initiation ==
 
A client <span class="must">must</span> register itself with a space before it can perform most actions.  
A client <span class="must">must</span> register itself with a space before it can send messages to rooms.


=== keys ===
=== keys ===
When registering with a space, a client <span class="should">should</span> transparently generate a key pair (<span class="todo">what type(s)?</span>) and store it for use in subsequent requests.
When registering with a space, a client <span class="should">should</span> transparently generate a key pair (<span class="todo">what type(s)?</span>) and store it for use in subsequent requests.


=== registration ===
=== registration ===
The registration page allows clients to register their public key and [[Okay/Spec#profiles|profile]] with the space.


The registration page allows clients to register their public key and [[Okay#profiles|profile]] with the space.  
== directory ==
 
The '''room directory''' is represented using the <code>ok-rooms</code> [[Okay/Spec#michaelformats|michaelformat]]. It contains the list of every room in a space. This list <span class="may">may</span> be [[Okay/Spec#pagination|paginated]].
== the directory ==


The '''Room Directory''' is a list of every room contained within the space. This list <span class="may">may</span> be [[Okay#pagination|paginated]].
A space's room directory <span class="must">must</span> be present in its [[Okay/Spec#ok-space|ok-space]] element, either [[Okay/Spec#linking to stuff|linked]] using the <code>ok-rooms</code> rel value or included inline.


The URI of the space's room directory <span class="must">must</span> be linked in its [[Okay#ok-space|ok-space]] element using the <code>ok-rooms</code> rel value.
Each room in the space <span class="must">must</span> be linked with a single <code><a /></code> element with the <code>ok-room</code> rel value. Rooms <span class="mustnt">must not</span> be included inline in the room directory.


Here's an example of what a room directory might look like:
Here's an example of what a room directory might look like:<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><main class="ok-rooms">
<syntaxhighlight lang="html"><main class="ok-rooms">
   <h1>Rooms on This Server</h1>
   <h1>Rooms on This Server</h1>
   <ul>
   <ul>
     <li><a href="/rooms/1" class="ok-room">General</a></li>
     <li><a href="/rooms/1" rel="ok-room">General</a></li>
     <li><a href="/rooms/evil" class="ok-room">Evildoing Room (evil)</a></li>
     <li><a href="/rooms/evil" rel="ok-room">Evildoing Room (evil)</a></li>
   </ul>
   </ul>
</main></syntaxhighlight>A room directory is still just a rat in a cage.
</main></syntaxhighlight>A room directory is still just a rat in a cage.


=== sections ===
=== sections ===
A <code><section /></code> element denotes a '''section''', which allows severs to provide more structure to their room directory. Sections <span class="must">must</span> have a heading of any level as a direct descendant and one or more room links. Anything within the section that isn't a header or room link <span class="must">must</span> be ignored by the client.
A <code><section /></code> element denotes a '''section''', which allows severs to provide more structure to their room directory. Sections <span class="must">must</span> have a heading of any level as a direct descendant and one or more room links. Anything within the section that isn't a header or room link <span class="must">must</span> be ignored by the client.


== rooms ==
== rooms ==
== messages ==
== messages ==
== profiles ==
== profiles ==
== subscriptions ==
== subscriptions ==
== settings ==
== settings ==
== pagination ==
== pagination ==
Many lists can be '''paginated''' when it would be impractical to send its entire contents. This is common in message lists and room directories if you're getting a bit silly with it.
Many lists can be '''paginated''' when it would be impractical to send its entire contents. This is common in message lists and room directories if you're getting a bit silly with it.


== critical reception ==
== critical reception ==
It’s okay.
It’s okay.


[[Category:Pages that need things added to them]]
[[Category:Pages that need things added to them]]