Brennan's Gemini Blog

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Gemini Protocol Guide

What is Gemini?

Gemini is a modern internet protocol designed to be a simpler, lighter alternative to the web (HTTP/HTML). It was created in 2019 as a response to the increasing complexity, tracking, and privacy issues of the modern web.

Gemini strips away the complexity while keeping what makes the internet useful: text-based content with links. Think of it as a middle ground between Gopher and the web - simple enough to be implementable, but powerful enough for modern content needs.

Key Features

• Text-first protocol - No images, JavaScript, or complex layouts

• Built-in TLS encryption - All connections are secure by default

• Simple markup - Gemtext is much simpler than HTML

• Privacy-focused - No tracking, cookies, or surveillance

• Lightweight - Works on minimal hardware and slow connections

• User-controlled - Clients decide how to display content

How Gemini Works

Gemini uses a simple client-server model:

• Clients connect to servers on port 1965

• All connections use TLS encryption

• Servers respond with status codes and content

• Content is served in Gemtext format

• Links use the gemini:// protocol

Gemtext Syntax

Gemtext is the markup language used for the Gemini protocol. Here's the syntax:

Headings

Top level title

Second level title

Third level title

Lists

List item
List item

Quotes

Quoted text

Preformatted Text

Preformatted text

Links

This is a link
This is a link to a gemini page
This is a schemaless link

Key Differences from Markdown

• No emphasis (bold/italic)

• No inline code

• No images

• Simpler link syntax

• Line breaks are significant

• Designed for terminal-based readers

Getting Started with Gemini

Gemini Clients

Amfora — Terminal-based Gemini client (Linux/macOS/Windows)
Lagrange — Beautiful graphical Gemini client (all platforms)
Kristall — Cross-platform graphical Gemini client (Qt)
Castor — Simple graphical Gemini client (Rust/GTK)

Finding Gemini Content

Gemini Space Directory
Project Gemini homepage
Smol Pub hosting platform
Official Gemini documentation

Why Gemini Matters

Gemini addresses several problems with the modern web:

Privacy Issues

• No tracking or analytics

• No cookies or local storage

• No JavaScript for fingerprinting

• Encrypted by default

Accessibility

• Works on slow connections

• Minimal hardware requirements

• Screen reader friendly

• Text-first design

Sustainability

• Lower bandwidth usage

• Less energy consumption

• Longer battery life on mobile

• Reduced server load

The Philosophy

Gemini is about building a more sustainable, accessible internet. It prioritizes:

• Content over presentation

• Privacy over tracking

• Simplicity over complexity

• User control over corporate control

Why Use Gemini?

• Privacy-focused browsing without sacrificing functionality

• Fast loading times on slow connections

• Focus on substance over style

• A more deliberate, thoughtful reading experience

• Support for an independent, decentralized web

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