How to Create Your Own Gemini Capsule: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Gemini Protocol has been gaining traction as a minimalist alternative to the web, emphasizing simplicity, privacy, and user control. One of the core components of the Gemini ecosystem is the Gemini Capsule. A Gemini Capsule is essentially a server that hosts content, allowing users to publish their own pages and share information in a lightweight format. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own Gemini Capsule from scratch, making it easy for you to join the growing community.

What is a Gemini Capsule?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a Gemini Capsule is. A capsule is a space where you can host Gemtext documents, images, and other files accessible via the Gemini Protocol. Think of it as your personal corner of the Gemini internet—similar to a website but much simpler and more focused on text-based content.

Why Create Your Own Capsule?

Creating a Gemini Capsule offers several benefits:

• Simplicity: With a focus on text, you can easily share your thoughts, projects, or interests without the clutter of modern web design.
• Privacy: Since Gemini doesn’t track users or rely on ads, your content is free from the usual online surveillance.
• Community: You’ll be joining a friendly, niche community of like-minded individuals who appreciate minimalism and privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Gemini Capsule

Step 1: Set Up Your Server

The first step in creating your Gemini Capsule is to set up a server that will host your content. You have a few options here:

• Use a VPS (Virtual Private Server): Providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr offer affordable VPS solutions where you can install your own server.
• Host Locally: If you have an old computer or a Raspberry Pi, you can set it up to serve as your Gemini server.
• Use a Free Hosting Service: Some platforms, like Gemini Hosting, offer free capsule hosting if you don’t want to manage your own server.

Step 2: Install a Gemini Server Software

Once you have your server set up, you need to install Gemini server software. Popular choices include:

• Agate: A simple, easy-to-use Gemini server written in Go.
• Geminiser: A Python-based server that’s easy to set up and customize.
• GemiNaut: A lightweight server that focuses on minimalism.

To install Agate, for example, you’d run the following commands:

# Install Go if you haven't already
sudo apt-get install golang

# Clone the Agate repository
git clone https://github.com/agenus/agate.git

# Build Agate
cd agate
go build

Step 3: Configure Your Server

After installing your server software, you’ll need to configure it. Each server will have its own configuration file, usually located in the installation directory. Here’s a basic configuration example for Agate:

# agate.config
listen = "127.0.0.1:1965" # The IP address and port to listen on
document_root = "/path/to/your/capsule" # Directory where your Gemtext files are stored

Make sure to replace "/path/to/your/capsule" with the actual path where you’ll keep your content.

Step 4: Create Your Gemtext Files

With your server up and running, it’s time to create some content! Gemtext files are plain text files with a .gmi extension. Here’s a simple example of what your first Gemtext document might look like:

# Welcome to My Gemini Capsule!

This is my personal space on the Gemini Protocol. 

=> gemini://example.com/another-page.gmi Go to another page

Here are some of my interests:
- Minimalism
- Privacy
- Open-source software

Save this file as index.gmi in the directory you specified in your server configuration.

Step 5: Start Your Server

Now that you have your content ready, start your Gemini server. If you’re using Agate, you can do this by running:

./agate

Your server should now be up and running, ready to serve your Gemini Capsule!

Step 6: Access Your Capsule

You can access your new Gemini Capsule using a Gemini client. Some popular clients include Lagrange, Amfora, and Castor. Simply enter the address of your capsule, like so:

gemini://your-domain-or-ip:1965/

If everything is set up correctly, you should see your welcome page and be able to navigate through your capsule!

Step 7: Promote Your Capsule

Once your capsule is live, it’s time to share it with the world! You can promote your capsule through social media, forums, or the growing Gemini community. Consider joining the Gemini Space community on platforms like Discord or Mastodon to connect with others.

Creating your own Gemini Capsule is an excellent way to participate in a unique and growing digital ecosystem. With its focus on simplicity and privacy, Gemini offers a refreshing alternative to the complexities of modern web browsing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your own capsule and start sharing your content with like-minded individuals. So go ahead, dive into the world of Gemini and make your mark!