The new version of Zulip 4.0 has just been launched, which is a server platform to deploy corporate messengers, suitable for organizing communication between employees and development teams.
The project was originally developed by Zulip and it was opened after its acquisition by Dropbox under the Apache 2.0 license. The server-side code is written in Python using the Django framework.
The system supports direct messages between two people and group discussions. Zulip can be compared to Slack and can be seen as an internal corporate analog of Twitter, used to communicate and discuss work issues in large groups of employees.
Main news of Zulip 4.0
In this new version users have the ability to mute the activity of other users so they don't see your messages, plus a new function was implemented in the access rights system: «Moderator», which allows users to be granted additional permissions to manage sections of publications and discussions, without giving the right to change the configuration, in addition to the ability to move discussions was implemented between sections, including the ability to move topics to private sections.
The new modules added for integration with Freshping, JotForm and Uptime Robot services, as well as improved integration with Bitbucket, Clubhouse, GitHub, GitLab, NewRelic and Zabbix. Added a new GitHub action to send messages to Zulip.
For the internationalization of the interface, the FormatJS library is used, instead of the i18next library previously used and integration with Smokescreen open proxy is provided, which is used to prevent SSRF attacks on other services (through Smokescreen, you can redirect all transitions on external links).
A client application has been implemented to work with Zulip from a text terminal, which has a functionality close to the main web client, even at the level of arrangement of blocks on the screen and keyboard shortcuts.
Another of the changes that stands out in the new version is the integrated support for GIPHY service, which allows you to select and insert memes and animated images.
By default, when you open the app, a list of recent topics is now displayed, with the option to enable a filter to view discussions that contain posts from the current user.
Featured posts are now displayed in the left pane by default, allowing you to use this functionality to remind you which posts and discussions to return to.
Instead of a compact "Reply" button To start typing an answer, a separate area has been added a field (text box) in which users can type immediately.
Added the ability to quickly copy code blocks to the clipboard or edit the selected block in an external controller.
Of the other changes that stand out from this new version:
- The autocomplete tooltip provides an indication of the user's presence.
- The number of available sound notifications has been expanded.
- Added About widget to quickly find out the version number of the Zulip server.
- The web interface and desktop applications now display a warning if a user connects to a server that has not been updated for more than 18 months.
- Work has been done to increase server performance and scalability.
- New installations use PostgreSQL 13 as the default DBMS.
- Django 3.2.x framework updated.
- Added initial support for Debian 11.
Finally if you want to know more about it, you can check the following link.
Downloading and installing Zulip on Linux?
For those who are interested in being able to install Zulip, they should know that it is available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and a built-in web interface is provided.
The Zulip developers provide Linux users with the application in an AppImage format which we can download from its official website.
We give execution permissions with:
sudo chmod a+x zulip.AppImage
And we execute with:
./zulip.AppImage
Another installation method is through Snap packages. The installation is carried out by executing in the terminal:
sudo snap install zulip