Providers Overview
Providers are the input sources through which messages reach your channelBar channels. Each provider represents a different delivery mechanism — from simple URL calls to real-time MQTT streams and cloud-based remote buffers. A single channel can use multiple providers simultaneously, letting you aggregate messages from various systems into one unified view in your menu bar.
Provider Comparison
| Provider | Best For | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| URL Scheme | Automations, AppleScript, other apps | Nothing (always active) |
| Webhook | CI/CD, remote systems, HTTP integrations | Webhook server enabled |
| MQTT | IoT devices, home automation, sensors | MQTT broker connection |
| RSS/Atom Feed | News, blogs, podcasts, YouTube | Feed URL |
| File Watcher | Log files, shell scripts, text-based integrations | File path |
| Apple Shortcuts | Siri, personal automations, iOS handoff | macOS 13.0+ |
| Home Assistant | Smart home entities, sensors, switches | Home Assistant instance |
| Command-Line App | Terminal workflows, scripting | CLI installed, gRPC server |
| Cloud | Remote systems, cross-network, Linux servers | channelBar Cloud subscription |
Explore Each Provider
URL Scheme
Send messages via channelbar:// URLs from any app or script.
Webhook
Receive messages via HTTP POST from CI/CD pipelines and remote systems.
MQTT
Subscribe to MQTT topics for real-time IoT and home automation messages.
RSS/Atom Feed
Monitor news feeds, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels automatically.
File Watcher
Watch local files for changes and display their content as messages.
Apple Shortcuts
Integrate with Siri and the Shortcuts app for personal automations.
Home Assistant
Display smart home entity states, sensor readings, and switch statuses.
Command-Line App
Send messages from terminal workflows and shell scripts via gRPC.
Cloud
Receive messages from remote systems across networks via channelBar Cloud.