Element-web: [Question] What exactly are Integrations?

[nunoperalta]

I saw many issues here about "Integrations" and apparently everyone knows what they are about :)

But... I'm completely lost here.

What exactly are Integrations, those that we set up in "integrations_*_url" ?
What is the purpose of them?
What do I lose if I disable Integrations?

[lampholder]

Integration are bots, bridges and widgets that you can add to a room in matrix. They are managed by a separate piece of software, the 'integrations manager'. Today I know of two integrations managers - Scalar (the New Vector proprietary implementation that provides integrations for matrix.org) and Dimension an open source implementation.

Bots are fairly self-explanatory, widgets are small web applications you can embed into the matrix client experience (such as a jitsi video conference, or a google doc, or etherpad). Bridges connect matrix to external platforms such as IRC or Slack or Gitter.

The integrations_*_url config is (I think) associated with connecting your client to an integrations manager.

If you're using https://riot.im/app connecting to matrix.org you'll be able to try out all of the integrations - click the four squares icon in the top right:

and you'll get a modal window to add and configure integrations:

[nunoperalta]

@lampholder Perfect explanation! Thank you very much.

[purjolini]

What is the specific setting to get rid of BOT SETTINGS "You need to be able to invite users to do that."? Can't invite any giphy,google,guggy etc bots.

[TwoTwenty]

What is the specific setting to get rid of BOT SETTINGS "You need to be able to invite users to do that."? Can't invite any giphy,google,guggy etc bots.

I am in the same boat.