Gotify is an open-source, self-hosted messaging tool designed to give users total control over their real-time alerts and notifications, addressing issues of information overload and vendor lock-in with commercial push services. It provides digital autonomy by allowing users to manage their own infrastructure, eliminating reliance on third-party services that collect sensitive metadata. The system operates on three pillars: a REST API for sending messages, WebSockets for instant, real-time message delivery to clients, and a web-based UI for management. Written in Go, Gotify is known for its stability, performance, and low resource footprint, making it suitable for deployment on minimal hardware like a Raspberry Pi. The ecosystem includes a native Android client that bypasses commercial push services for direct notifications, and a command-line interface for automation. Gotify emphasizes longevity and customization through a plugin system and robust documentation, backed by a mature quality assurance process and a vibrant open-source community with significant GitHub engagement. Its MIT license and continuous development, evidenced by numerous releases and contributors, ensure its reliability and viability as a critical component for personal or work automation.
