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LightNet

Overview

LightNet empowers communities to access curated media through a customizable, web-based distribution platform. Designed with accessibility and privacy in mind, it supports diverse content types such as books, videos, audio, and images, tailored to your audience’s language and culture.

Design Goals

LightNet is built with the following principles:

  • Reusable Solution: Create media distribution sites with minimal coding.
  • Cost-Effective: Keep operational expenses low for sustainability.
  • User-Friendly: Simplify setup, modification, and maintenance.
  • Privacy-Focused: Ensure no tracking or advertisements.
  • Multilingual Support: Translate easily, including support for right-to-left languages.
  • Accessible: Operate efficiently on low-bandwidth connections and older devices.
  • Secure: Protect against common hacking attempts.

How It Works

A LightNet project transforms a folder of configuration files, content, HTML, and JavaScript into a fully deployable package of static assets (HTML, CSS, and JS).

Built as a plugin for the Astro framework, LightNet uses Astro´s static site generation capabilities to simplify media distribution. To get the most out of LightNet, we recommend exploring the Astro documentation.

Key Features

  • Pre-rendered HTML: Reduces traffic and improves load times.
  • Static Output: Generates static files, removing the need for backend servers.
  • Flexible Content Management: Edit content as JSON or use an Administration UI that integrates with Git hosts such as GitLab.

With LightNet, you can create a robust, efficient media site to serve your community’s needs.

Scope and Limitations

While LightNet is a powerful tool, it does not include:

  • User Authentication: No built-in user accounts or access restrictions.
  • Advanced Analytics: Integrate third-party tools for detailed tracking.
  • E-commerce Support: Shopping carts and payment processing are not supported.
  • Complex Interactivity: Server-side features like comments or personalized user experiences are unavailable.

These design choices keep LightNet lightweight and focused on its core purpose: static media distribution.

Project Structure

LightNet projects follow the Astro project layout. Below is an example directory structure:

  • Directorypublic/
    • …
  • Directorysrc/
    • Directoryassets/
      • …
    • Directorycontent/
      • …
    • Directorypages/
      • …
    • Directorytranslations/
      • …
  • tailwind.config.mjs
  • package.json
  • astro.config.mjs
  • tsconfig.json

Directory Overview

  • public/: Static files (e.g., PDFs, MP3s) served directly by the web server.
  • src/: Core development directory.
    • assets/: Images and fonts referenced in pages.
    • content/: Media and content files (JSON/Markdown).
    • pages/: Defines site routes (e.g. homepage or custom pages).
    • translations/: Language files for internationalization.
  • tailwind.config.mjs: Customizes Tailwind CSS styles.
  • package.json: Manages dependencies and scripts.
  • astro.config.mjs: Configures LightNet and Astro settings.
  • tsconfig.json: TypeScript configuration for the project.

Skills for Creating a site with LightNet

LightNet is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for beginners. However, gaining familiarity with the following areas will help developers maximize its potential and customize the media library effectively.

Essential Skills

  • HTML and JavaScript: Basic understanding of web technologies allows you to customize site layouts and add interactivity. Explore HTML Basics and the JavaScript Guide.
  • Markdown: Page content is managed in Markdown, a lightweight and easy-to-learn format. Learn the basics with the Markdown Guide.
  • JSON: Configuration and content data is structured in JSON. Familiarity with JSON syntax helps you make precise edits. Check out JSON Basics.
  • Astro Framework: LightNet is built on the Astro framework. Understanding Astro’s project structure and static site generation features will greatly enhance your ability to work with the platform. Start with the Astro Documentation.
  • Tailwind CSS: Tailwind CSS is used for styling, offering a utility-first approach that simplifies customization. While optional, familiarity with Tailwind can help you refine your site’s appearance. Learn more at the Tailwind CSS website.
  • Git Basics: Git is a powerful tool for version control and collaboration. It’s especially helpful when configuring LightNet’s optional Administration UI. Get started with this Git Guide.
  • Command Line: Many project tasks, such as installing dependencies or building your site, involve the command line. If you’re new to this, the Command Line Primer is a great place to start.

Even if you’re not familiar with these skills yet, LightNet’s beginner-friendly setup makes it easy to get started. As you grow your project, developing these skills will empower you to unlock advanced customization and functionality.