Chat-tails: Throwback terminal chat, built on Tailscale
3 days ago
- #retro-tech
- #terminal-chat
- #Tailscale
- Brian Scott created 'chat-tails', a minimalistic, terminal-based chat app for his child and friends to communicate safely while playing Minecraft.
- Chat-tails operates in two modes: 'Regular Mode' for local network chats and 'Tailscale Mode' for secure, private chats accessible via Tailscale.
- The app features ephemeral chats, no voice or image support, and basic commands like /who, /help, /me, and /quit.
- Built using Go and the tsnet library, chat-tails leverages TCP/UDP connections for terminal-based communication.
- The app is designed to be lightweight, running on devices like Raspberry Pi, and promotes learning about VPN technology, SSH, and terminal usage.
- Brian encourages community contributions and extensions, with potential for features like terminal image rendering or Taildrop integration.
- Chat-tails is part of Tailscale's community projects hub, with discussions on Discord, Reddit, Bluesky, Mastodon, and LinkedIn.