nostr-direct-messages

Encrypted Nostr direct messaging is implemented by wrapping your application with a DMProvider interface that supports configurable protocol modes for both legacy NIP-04 and private NIP-17 encryption. This enables real-time relay subscriptions and per-user local IndexedDB storage for offline-ready conversations.

NIP-04 is the legacy direct messaging standard on Nostr, while NIP-17 provides private messaging with gift-wrapped message support for stronger privacy. This DM system supports configurable protocol modes, allowing developers to choose or switch between both encryption standards to fit various app architectures.

Yes, Nostr direct messages can be stored locally using per-user IndexedDB. This ensures fast, offline-ready conversations by caching encrypted messages locally, while real-time relay subscriptions handle live updates and optimistic UI updates keep the chat interface responsive.

Real-time chat updates in a Nostr messaging client are enabled through relay subscriptions that stream new encrypted messages instantly. The DMProvider integration applies optimistic UI updates immediately upon sending and syncs with local IndexedDB storage to maintain conversation state across web and mobile platforms.

Gift-wrapped messaging via the NIP-17 protocol works across web and mobile apps by utilizing a complete DM system with per-user encryption. Integration is achieved through the DMProvider, which handles giftwrap support and real-time relay subscriptions to ensure private conversations function reliably across different platforms.

NIP-04 legacy messaging has known privacy limitations compared to the NIP-17 standard, which utilizes gift-wrapped message support for stronger encryption. Developers should use the configurable protocol modes in the DMProvider to select NIP-17 when stronger privacy is required for their direct messaging implementation.