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SolidOS (Mashlib)

View and edit Linked Data visually. A read-write data browser for any Solid pod.

Overview​

SolidOS (also known as mashlib or the Data Browser) is the reference user interface for Solid. It provides a visual way to browse, edit, and manage data stored in Solid pods without writing code.

Key Features​

Read-Write Interface​

Unlike typical web pages, SolidOS is fully read-write. Users can:

  • Create new resources and containers
  • Edit RDF data directly
  • Delete items they have permission to remove
  • All changes save back to the pod

Live Collaboration​

SolidOS subscribes to changes via WebSocket:

  • See updates from other users in real-time
  • Screens synchronize automatically across sessions
  • No refresh needed when data changes

Multiple Panes​

Different views for different data types:

PanePurpose
ProfileView and edit WebID profiles
ContactsManage address book
ChatReal-time messaging
MeetingSchedule and join meetings
FolderBrowse container contents
SourceRaw Turtle/RDF editing
Access ControlManage permissions

Security Features​

Recent updates include:

  • Signed chat messages — Messages signed with private/public keys stored in your pod
  • Append-only chat — Messages can't be edited or deleted (integrity)
  • Thread support — Organized conversations
  • QR codes — Easy profile sharing

Architecture​

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   SolidOS                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  solid-panes    │  solid-ui     │  solid-logic  │
│  (view logic)   │  (components) │  (data layer) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   rdflib.js                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                   Solid Pod                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Repositories​

  • mashlib — Main bundled library
  • solid-panes — Individual view panes
  • solid-ui — Reusable UI components
  • solid-logic — Data access layer

Usage​

Standalone Web App​

Try SolidOS directly:

https://solidos.github.io/mashlib/dist/browse.html

Embedded in Pod​

Many Solid servers (like solidcommunity.net) include SolidOS as the default frontend. When you visit your WebID URL in a browser, you see SolidOS.

As a Library​

Add mashlib to your application:

<script src="https://solidos.github.io/mashlib/dist/mashlib.min.js"></script>
// Initialize the data browser
const subject = $rdf.sym('https://pod.example/profile/card#me');
const dom = document;
UI.widgets.render(dom, subject);

With Sandymount​

Sandymount includes SolidOS by default:

npx sandymount
# SolidOS available at http://localhost:5420

Disable with --no-mashlib if you prefer a headless server.

Common Tasks​

View a Profile​

Navigate to any WebID URL. SolidOS automatically renders the profile pane.

Edit Data​

  1. Navigate to a resource
  2. Click the "Source" tab for raw editing
  3. Modify the Turtle
  4. Click Save

Manage Access​

  1. Navigate to a resource
  2. Click the padlock icon
  3. Add/remove agents and permissions
  4. Changes apply immediately

Chat​

  1. Create a new chat from your home folder
  2. Invite contacts by WebID
  3. Messages are stored in your pod
  4. Real-time sync across participants

See Also​