From c09ae60167ca2a2f250e9a31db135b0bf123ed66 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Solderpunk Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 19:55:49 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Flesh out README. --- README.md | 45 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 44 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index a132f39..3210821 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,3 +1,46 @@ # AV-98 -Experimental VF-1-derived client for the "Gemini" protocol \ No newline at end of file +AV-98 is an experimental client for the +[Gemini protocol](https://gemini.circumlunar.space). It is derived from the +[gopher client VF-1](https://github.com/solderpunk/VF-1) by the same author. +AV-98 is "experimental" in the sense that it may occasionally extend or deviate +from the official Gemini specification for the purposes of, well, +experimentation. Despite this, it is expected to be stable enough for regular +daily use at the same time. + +## Dependencies + +AV-98 has no "strict dependencies", i.e. it will run and work without anything +else beyond the Python standard library. However, it will "opportunistically +import" a few other libraries if they are available to offer an improved +experience. + +* The [ansiwrap library](https://pypi.org/project/ansiwrap/) may result in + neater display of text which makes use of ANSI escape codes to control colour. +* The [cryptography library](https://pypi.org/project/cryptography/) will + provide a better and slightly more secure experience when using the default + TOFU certificate validation mode and is highly recommended. + +## Features + +* TOFU or CA server certificate validation +* Extensive client certificate support if an `openssl` binary is available +* Ability to specify external handler programs for different MIME types +* Gopher proxy support (e.g. for use with + [Agena](https://tildegit.org/solderpunk/agena)) +* Advanced navigation tools like `tour` and `mark` (as per VF-1) +* Bookmarks +* IPv6 support +* Supports any character encoding recognised by Python + +## Lightning introduction + +You use the `go` command to visit a URL, e.g. `go gemini.circumlunar.space`. + +Links in Gemini documents are assigned numerical indices. Just type an index to +follow that link. + +If a Gemini document is too long to fit on your screen, use the `less` command +to pipe it to the `less` pager. + +Use the `help` command to learn about additional commands.