What is XMPP? Everything You Need to Know About the Messaging Standard

In today’s interconnected world, smooth communication is vital, and grasping the technology that makes it possible is highly beneficial. One of those technologies is XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol). But what is XMPP ?

As a key player in the rise of chat applications in the early 2000s, XMPP continues to be widely used and supported even after two decades. Why has it persisted? What is XMPP, how does it function, and what are its benefits? Continue reading this article to find out.

What is XMPP?

The acronym XMPP stands for “Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol”, which refers to an extensible messaging and presence protocol for online communication. XMPP’s principles are the client-server principle and the open XML standard, which allow an XMPP client on the user’s terminal to communicate with other participants via an XMPP server.

XMPP technology was developed by Jeremie Miller in 1998. The first significant XMPP version, known as Jabber, was published in 2000. With a real-time streaming protocol based on the XML standard, the open-source program positioned itself as a free, flexible alternative to commercial instant messaging. Jabber became the XMPP standard protocol in 2004, with modifications made by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), and is now maintained and standardized in new implementations by the XMPP Standards Foundation.

Working principles of XMPP

XMPP operates by exchanging information between a client and a server. To utilize this protocol and create a connection, you will require free XMPP client software. Examples include:

• Miranda & Gajim (Windows)
• Pidgin (Linux/Windows)
• Dino (Linux)
• Conversations (android)
• Coccinella (iOS).

An XMPP client allows you to exchange messages with XMPP-compatible IM and email services, check participant statuses, participate in group conversations, and make audio/video calls. Other capabilities include email and SMS forwarding, transport links to other IM networks, and RSS feed management. XMPP servers, like SMTP servers and mail transfer agents, facilitate communication by receiving and transmitting messages among participants.

How to Use XMPP?

To join the network, you’ll need an account from an XMPP provider. The good news is, that one account usually works across different servers, similar to an email address.

Here are the steps to log in and use XMPP:

• Sign Up: Head to an XMPP provider and register with a username and password. This will create your J-ID (Jabber Identifier), which functions like an email address for XMPP. Your J-ID will look like [email protected] , with your username followed by the provider’s server address.
• Choose Your Client: Download an XMPP client software compatible with your device. Popular options include Pidgin, Conversations, and Coccinella.
• Log In and Connect: Use your J-ID to log in to your chosen client. This connects you to the provider’s server. From there, you can connect with others on the XMPP network who also have J-IDs.

Note: XMPP isn’t limited to the internet! You can even set it up for private communication within a company’s internal network (intranet).

Reasons to use XMPP

Besides what XMPP is, a more interesting question is, why use XMPP?

XMPP, supported by the IETF and used by thousands of developers, has emerged as a popular open standard protocol for developing chat applications.

With remarkable marks, XMPP managed to bridge the gap, aided by tight standards, and has established itself as a must-have for peer-to-peer communication and beyond.

The following are the primary benefits of using the XMPP protocol.

1. A Proven Track Record

XMPP has been a cornerstone for developers for over two decades. With a robust infrastructure and a massive community behind it, this protocol has been thoroughly tested in real-world applications. Its widespread adoption and longevity testify to its reliability and the strong technical support available. And to top it off, XMPP is completely free and easy to use.

2. Enhanced Communication Infrastructure

As a fully flexible protocol, it allows end users to communicate many types of material and messages. It won’t ask if you’re sending audio or video; XMPP will continue to assist in developing an effective communication infrastructure.

3. Reliable Message Delivery

XMPP uses constant connectivity over TCP, therefore message delivery is guaranteed. It will rarely miss an XML stanza delivery, no matter how short.

4. Wide Language Support

The widespread adoption and high global demand for XMPP have led to support for numerous programming languages. XMPP libraries are available in many popular languages such as Perl, C++, C#, Java , Python, and more. Whatever language you prefer, there’s likely an XMPP library compatible with it. This flexibility allows developers to work within their preferred and compatible ecosystems.

5. Decentralized Architecture

XMPP’s decentralized nature gives you freedom and flexibility. You can set up your servers, choose your preferred software, and customize the system to your specific needs.

6. Strong Security Focus

Boosted security is what makes XMPP a top chat protocol. When setting up individual XMPP servers, developers have the flexibility to select encryption methods, security protocols, and access preferences according to their needs. This level of control over security measures leads to fewer cyber-attacks and greater peace of mind.

7. High availability

Regardless of whether one XMPP server is damaged or unavailable, only the related users will be affected. The rest will continue to enjoy uninterrupted communication and data transmission. This has made 100% operational continuity possible.

8. Server-to-Server Interaction

XMPP supports server federation, allowing you to connect different XMPP servers. This feature provides additional flexibility for managing your communication infrastructure.

9. Rich Client Ecosystem

One significant client-side benefit of XMPP is the number of clients. There is no shortage of XMPP clients. XMPP clients are available for all device types. It goes the extra mile for Windows and Unix platforms by including a command line. Furthermore, one person can sign up using many devices, resulting in improved accessibility.

Is XMPP the right solution for you?

In conclusion, XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), is a core technology that underpins many of the communication technologies we use today. While you may not engage with it directly, understanding what it is might help you appreciate the complexity and innovation that go into the seemingly simple act of delivering a message. XMPP serves as the foundation for numerous real-time communication applications, including instant messaging and presence updates.