> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/redox-os/redox/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Community and Support

> How to connect with the Redox OS community and get help

## Chat Platforms

Join the Redox community to discuss development, ask questions, and get help.

### Matrix (Recommended)

Matrix is the official way to talk with the Redox OS team and community. All rooms are English-only.

<Card title="Join Redox on Matrix" icon="message" href="https://matrix.to/#/#redox-join:matrix.org">
  Request an invite to the Redox Matrix space
</Card>

#### Getting Started with Matrix

1. Choose a Matrix client:
   * [Element](https://element.io/) - Available on web browsers, Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS
   * [Fractal](https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/fractal) - Alternative client if you have problems with Element

2. Join the [Join Requests](https://matrix.to/#/#redox-join:matrix.org) room
   * Matrix room address: `#redox-join:matrix.org`

3. Send a message requesting an invite to the Redox Matrix space
   * This process helps avoid spam and bots

4. Leave the "Join Requests" room after you've been added to the Redox space

<Tip>
  For large discussions in Matrix rooms, use Element threads. They're more organized and easier to follow when multiple conversations happen in the same room.
</Tip>

For more information, see the [Chat](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/chat.html) page in the Redox Book.

### Discord

The Redox Discord server is an alternative to Matrix, with messages bridged between platforms.

<Card title="Join Redox on Discord" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/JfggvrHGDY">
  Connect via Discord server
</Card>

#### Getting Started with Discord

1. Join the Discord server using the link above
2. Open the `#join-requests` channel
3. Send a message requesting to be a member (this helps avoid spam and bots)
4. Wait for approval from moderators

<Note>
  Matrix messages are sent to Discord and vice-versa using a bot. However, sometimes some Discord messages aren't sent to Matrix. If this happens to you, consider joining the Matrix space instead.
</Note>

## GitLab

GitLab is used for more formal communication, issue tracking, and code collaboration.

<Card title="Redox OS on GitLab" icon="gitlab" href="https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/redox">
  Main repository and issue tracker
</Card>

### Creating an Account

To create a GitLab account, read the [Signing in to GitLab](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/signing-in-to-gitlab.html) page.

Once your account is created, add your Matrix or Discord username (the name after the `@` symbol) to the "About" section of your profile so the team can recognize you.

### Using GitLab for Support

GitLab is ideal for:

* Reporting bugs and issues
* Requesting features
* Discussing specific topics
* Tracking ongoing work
* Submitting code changes (merge requests)

#### Creating Issues

1. Search for existing issues to avoid duplicates
2. Create a new issue following the [Filing Issues](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/filing-issues.html) guide
3. **Important:** Post the issue link in the Dev or Support chat rooms
   * GitLab email notifications can be unreliable (spam, service messages)
   * Most developers don't keep GitLab pages open for desktop notifications
   * Posting in chat helps ensure your issue gets attention

<Tip>
  View all issues across Redox repositories: [All Issues](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/groups/redox-os/-/issues)
</Tip>

#### Submitting Merge Requests

1. Create your merge request following the [Creating Proper Pull Requests](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/creating-proper-pull-requests.html) guide
2. Post the MR link in the [MRs Matrix room](https://matrix.to/#/#redox-mrs:matrix.org)
   * You'll need to request an invite in the Join Requests room first
   * Posting prevents your MR from being forgotten or accumulating conflicts

<Note>
  For quick reviews, keep merge requests small. Large MRs take longer to review and may need to be split into smaller pieces.
</Note>

## Code of Conduct

The Redox community follows the [Rust Code of Conduct](https://www.rust-lang.org/policies/code-of-conduct). Please read and follow these guidelines to maintain a welcoming and inclusive community.

## Additional Resources

### Documentation

* [The Redox Book](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/) - Comprehensive documentation
* [Build System Reference](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/build-system-reference.html)
* [Developer FAQ](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/developer-faq.html)
* [Contributing Guide](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/redox/-/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md)

### Website and Media

* [Main Website](https://www.redox-os.org)
* [Redox in Action](https://www.redox-os.org/screens/) - Screenshots and videos
* [General FAQ](https://www.redox-os.org/faq/)

### Development Resources

* [References](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/references.html) - Learning resources for Rust and OS development
* [Best Practices and Guidelines](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/best-practices.html)
* [Libraries and APIs](https://doc.redox-os.org/book/libraries-apis.html)

## Key Repositories

Explore the Redox ecosystem:

| Repository                                                | Description                             |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| [Kernel](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/kernel)     | Redox microkernel                       |
| [relibc](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/relibc)     | Redox C library written in Rust         |
| [RedoxFS](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/redoxfs)   | Default filesystem                      |
| [Orbital](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/orbital)   | Display server and window manager       |
| [Ion](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/ion)           | Default shell                           |
| [pkgutils](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/pkgutils) | Package manager                         |
| [Base](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/base)         | Essential system components and drivers |
| [Book](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/book)         | Documentation                           |
| [Website](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os/website)   | Main website                            |

<Tip>
  View all repositories: [redox-os group on GitLab](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os)
</Tip>

## Support Development

If you'd like to support Redox financially:

* [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/redox_os) - Monthly support
* [Donate](https://redox-os.org/donate/) - One-time donations
* [Merch](https://redox-os.creator-spring.com/) - Official merchandise

For more information, see the [Donate](https://www.redox-os.org/donate/) page.