What is Nostr?

Nostr is a simple, open protocol designed to create decentralized and censorship-resistant social media. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Nostr operates without centralized servers, instead using a network of relays that store and broadcast messages. Users interact with Nostr through clients, which can be web, desktop, or mobile apps, allowing them to connect to multiple relays for enhanced resilience and reliability.

A public key identifies each user on Nostr, and all posts are signed to ensure authenticity. This cryptographic approach helps maintain the integrity of messages and prevents impersonation. The protocol's simplicity makes it easy for developers to create diverse clients and relays, promoting a rich ecosystem of applications and services.

The protocol supports a variety of event types, including simple text posts and more complex interactions, enabling a broad range of social media functionalities. Users can switch between different clients without losing their data, as long as the clients access the same set of relays. This flexibility ensures that Nostr remains user-centric and adaptable to evolving needs.