Three alternative internet protocols—finger://, gopher://, and gemini://—each maintain their own ecosystems, communities, and aesthetics separate from the World Wide Web [1, 2]. Finger and Gopher protocols predate the World Wide Web entirely, tracing back to a time before graphical browsers emerged [1, 2].
Gemini, the newest of the three, was created in 2019, coinciding with the year the first black hole photograph circulated globally [1, 2]. Unlike mainstream web protocols, none of these three require a graphical user interface or JavaScript. They all run comfortably within a terminal environment, catering to users who prefer minimalistic, text-based browsing [1, 2].
Most modern internet browsers do not natively support these protocols. When a user attempts to access finger://, gopher://, or gemini:// links, browsers typically hand off the request to specialized external applications designed for these formats [1]. This stands in contrast to the dominance of Chromium-based browsers, which control over 80% of the global desktop browser market share, with Chrome alone accounting for 73% [1].
There is concern about the market concentration around Chromium browsers, as the alternatives highlight a push for more diverse and lightweight internet access methods [1]. These protocols represent distinct approaches to browsing, emphasizing privacy, simplicity, and a departure from modern web complexities.
The Gemini protocol's creation in 2019 marks a concrete development in this space. Its continued growth depends on community adoption and tool development to improve accessibility across platforms. As browsers remain largely incompatible, users interested in these protocols rely on dedicated clients to navigate this alternative slice of the internet.
