Basic Terms
Matrix can feel confusing at first, but you only need to understand a few basic ideas to get started.
If you’re not sure what the difference is between the Matrix Protocol versus a Matrix client, we recommend starting with the quick start guide.
Matrix ID
Your Matrix ID is your global username, similar to an email address. It lets anybody using Matrix contact you! Here are a few examples:
@alice:example.com
@bob:matrix.org
Homeservers
A homeserver is the server that holds your account and messages. Your Matrix ID shows which homeserver you belong to.
In the example below, bob would be from the matrix.org homeserver.
@bob:matrix.org
Clients
A client is the app you use to access Matrix. You can use any client you want.
Different clients support different features, but all support encrypted text chat. You can use multiple clients with the same account, they’re all just different ways to access Matrix.
Rooms
A room is a shared conversation space, similar to a group chat. It is just a chat room with multiple people in it.
Unlike Discord, where you usually join a server that contains many rooms, Matrix lets you join individual rooms on their own.
It is important to note that DMs with other users are just rooms. The only difference is that its a private room with only 2 people.
Spaces
A space is a collection of rooms, used to keep things organized.
You can think of spaces like Discord servers, but with more flexibility. Joining a space doesn’t force you to join every room inside it.
You can also put spaces inside of spaces, but that’s just silly.
Encryption / Recovery Keys
Encryption in Matrix is what makes sure that nobody else can read your messages. Your Encryption key is like your second password, so if somebody gets access to your account, they still can’t read your messages. You must verify each client you log into for this to work. For more information, read encryption basics.
Federation
Federation is what allows Matrix users on different servers to talk to each other.
It works a bit like email. Even if you and your friends use different homeservers, messages still arrive. Federation is just the process that makes that happen. Most of the time, this just works automatically behind the scenes. (no federation = no talking to anybody on different homeservers)
Next Steps:
If you’d like to continue learning about Matrix, check out the next recommended page:
Understanding & Choosing Homeservers