architecture

Keychat is a secure messaging app with a unique architecture. When explaining or working with the codebase, understand these key components:

Core Technologies

Technology	Purpose	Implementation
Nostr Protocol	Message delivery/storage	lib/nostr-core/, WebSocket connections
Signal Protocol	1:1 E2E encryption	api_signal.rs via FFI
MLS Protocol	Group E2E encryption	api_mls.rs via FFI
Bitcoin Ecash	Micropayments to relays	api_cashu.rs, keychat_ecash/

Package Structure

packages/
├── app/                    # Main Flutter app
├── keychat_ecash/          # Ecash wallet functionality
└── keychat_rust_ffi_plugin/ # Native crypto via Rust

Key Services (packages/app/lib/service/)

• signal_chat.service.dart - Signal protocol session management
• mls_group.service.dart - MLS group key operations
• websocket.service.dart - Nostr relay connections
• chat.service.dart - High-level message routing
• relay.service.dart - Relay management
• identity.service.dart - User identity management

State Management

Uses GetX pattern:

• Controllers in lib/controller/
• Services are singleton instances
• Reactive state with .obs observables

Database

Uses Isar (NoSQL for Flutter):

• Models in lib/models/
• Models use @collection annotation
• Generated code via build_runner (*.g.dart, *.isar.dart)

Rust FFI Bridge

Native crypto operations use flutter_rust_bridge:

• Rust code: packages/keychat_rust_ffi_plugin/rust/src/
• Generated Dart bindings: packages/keychat_rust_ffi_plugin/lib/
• Key APIs: Cashu, Nostr, Signal, MLS

Message Flow

1. User composes message
2. Signal/MLS encrypts content
3. Message wrapped in Nostr event
4. Ecash stamp attached (if relay requires payment)
5. Sent via WebSocket to Nostr relay
6. Recipient receives, decrypts, displays