Initial setup

The first time you open node.php on a fresh install, Talesmith shows the Set up your node screen. You are not signed in yet; completing the form creates your owner account and the data/ directory beside node.php.

If you have not uploaded the release files yet, start with Getting started. For PHP extensions and permissions, see Host requirements.

Before you submit

On the left, Minimum requirements lists what your host should provide. Click Check host to run the same checks as the server (✓ recommended, ? minimum install, ✗ below minimum). Fix ✗ items on your host before you rely on updates, plugins, or large uploads.

Setup form fields

FieldRequiredWhat it is used for
Your name or pseudonymYesDisplay name on your node, in connections, and when you sync profile to a hub.
What do you do? (title)NoShort tagline (e.g. Writer, Developer). Shown on your profile and sent to hubs when you refresh your hub listing.
PasswordYesOwner sign-in. Must meet the minimum length shown in the placeholder (server-enforced).
Confirm passwordYesMust match Password.
AvatarNoOptional image upload. If you skip it, the node assigns a random default avatar.

Click Create node when the form is complete.

What happens when you create the node

  • Settings saved — Name, title, password hash, and avatar path (or default) are written under data/ (guarded PHP JSON files).
  • Canonical URL stored — Your node records its public node.php URL from how you accessed the site (used for feeds and handshakes).
  • Founder connection — Your own feed is seeded in connections so your wall and profile work locally.
  • You are signed in — The browser session is marked logged-in; the home view loads without a separate login step.

If data/ is not writable, setup fails with an error—see Common errors and Host requirements.

Setup runs once. If a password is already stored, the setup form is not offered; use Sign in instead.

What to do next

You are on your node’s home view. Typical next steps:

Connect to other nodes

Open Connections (or Manage on the connections card), paste another person’s node.php URL or ?feed=json feed URL, and click Add. A handshake runs between the two servers; when it completes, their posts can appear on your wall.

Details and screenshots: Getting started · problems: Common errors.

Register with a hub (optional)

Hubs list nodes and can host plugins. They do not store your posts.

Connections → Hub — pick a hub URL, choose a category, click Add, then accept pending registration on the hub if required. Keep your directory profile fresh with Refresh hub listing.

Guide: Using a hub.

Harden and maintain

  • Settings → Backup — snapshot before big changes (Backups).
  • Settings → Social → Check for updates — official releases from talesmith.studio (Updates).
  • Settings → Account — email and notification options as you need them.

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