Astra Chat
Astra Chat is a secure, real-time messaging and conferencing platform built entirely on the Matrix protocol. It leverages the Matrix-Rust-SDK via UniFFI to provide high-performance encryption and decentralized communication without relying on traditional native modules or Firebase. The application supports full end-to-end encryption (E2EE), VoIP, and cross-platform synchronization.
Project Links
My Role & Responsibilities
Role
Lead React Native Developer
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the React Native implementation to unify existing iOS clients into a cross-platform solution
- Implementing Matrix-based authentication flows including SSO, reCAPTCHA, and onboarding
- Developing core messaging features like threads, reactions, and media sharing via Matrix APIs
- Building secure VoIP and video conferencing systems using Jitsi and LiveKit SFU
- Managing complex E2EE modules including device verification and cross-signing
- Handling encrypted push notifications through Matrix pushers without external push SDKs
Technical Details
Technology Stack
frontend
- React Native
- TypeScript
- Zustand
- WebRTC
- Google ReCaptcha
backend
- Matrix Protocol
- Matrix-Rust-SDK
database
- SQLite
devops
- Matrix Pushers
- Rust UniFFi Pipeline
tools
- Matrix JavaScript SDK
- React Native Matrix SDK
- LiveKit SFU
- Element Call
- Jitsi SDK
Architecture
Decentralized architecture using Matrix-Rust-SDK for encryption and state, interfaced with React Native via UniFFI
APIs & Integrations
Screenshots & Media
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
End-to-end encrypted decentralized chat interface with real-time message synchronization
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge:
Maintaining high performance and encryption standards without using standard native push or Firebase dependencies
Solution:
Utilized Matrix-Rust-SDK and custom Matrix pushers to handle encrypted payloads directly through the protocol
Achievements & Impact
Firebase-Free Implementation
Successfully built a full-scale real-time app with push notifications and authentication without any Firebase dependencies
Lessons Learned
- Deep understanding of decentralized protocols and E2EE security standards
- Managing cross-language state between Rust and JavaScript
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