What is an atsign and why you need one?
An @sign is a unique handle that functions as your identity for applications built on the @platform.
Introduction
Following the questions, I got asked in person and even online, I am taking this opportunity to talk about what an @sign is and why you should get one.
First, it is pronounced as ‘at-sign’. An @sign is a unique handle that functions as your digital identity for apps built on the @platform.
In this article, you will learn about @sign, @platform, and the idea behind this privacy-focused technology.
Have you ever thought of an internet where you don’t need to worry about ReCaptcha, email sign-ins, cookies, and ‘forgot password? Read on
What is the @platform?
The @platform, pronounced as “atplatform,” is a full-stack platform(i.e, a set of software technologies that allows building a solution that provides the end customer with a complete product) written in Dart and Flutter and includes a wide range of widgets, services, and libraries designed to create privacy-first applications.
Developed by The atsign Company, the @platform provides various tools to enable developers to build end-to-end encrypted solutions.
The @platform is open source, and the team loves Pull Requests(PRs).
The @platform solves one of the fundamental problems of today’s internet - The replication of Data. The current internet is designed so that solutions providers own your data; however, with the @platform, YOU own your data.
And because we refrain from using emails as unique identifiers, we created @signs (atsigns) which are your own encryption keys.
What is an @sign?
An @sign is a handle (i.e., @iamCynthiaPeter) that functions as your digital identity. It uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that your Data is 100% owned and controlled by you. Like your Twitter or Instagram username but with more functions, the @platfrom is your key to opening all the doors to applications built on the @platform.
An @sign can be as simple as @alice, @bob419, @awesomedev, or even @iamcynthia💙.
To access applications or solutions built on the @platform, you’d need to get an @sign. And for some fun and straightforward reasons, The atsign Company has provided a collection of cool @signs that are free. These @signs are a combination of fun words and numbers; in fact, I got one that is @tastelesscoffee.
If you need an @sign that is more customized and personalized, you’d need to pay between $10 - $5000 for each one.
However, if you want to try out the applications we currently have or are just curious about the coolest @sign you could get for free, head over to my.atsign.com/go and get yours.
How to get an @sign
Now that you understand what an @sign is and what it is used for, you’re thinking, how do you get one?
First, head on to my.atsign.com/go to get free @signs. You can scroll a bit down to create a custom @sign for as low as $10. The screenshot below shows the page.
However, to enable you to understand why this technology is important, you can get the free @sign to test applications.
Choose one or more free @sign, Click on the ‘add to cart' button on your right and you will see a pop-up like the one below:
This takes you to the checkout page. Follow the rest of the steps to get an @sign.
Note: You know you have successfully created an atsign when you get confetti🎊 - Yes, we love to celebrate.
Now I have my @sign, what's next?
Now that you have an @sign, I am sure you want to try it out and see how it works. There is no better way to understand things better than actually digging in.
Download the @mospherePro app which is a file-sharing app available for Android, Windows, or iOS.
Enter your activated @sign and you can use the @mospherePro app to send and receive files from any part of the world.
Summary
Unlike a Twitter handle or username, an @sign acts as a digital gatekeeper who controls what Data you share, with whom, and for how long. And to access any application built on the @platform, you need an @sign.
Head over to my.atsign.com/go to get yours. Share your @sign with us on Twitter.
And let’s #FlipTheInternet Together.
Are you an open-source enthusiast looking for projects to contribute to? AtmospherePro is open for contributions. Visit the github Repo to learn more.
Join us on Discord and follow us on Twitter @atsigncompany.
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