Being a pure Java library, it can be embedded into your applications to create anything from a full XMPP instant messaging client to simple XMPP integrations such as sending notification messages and presence-enabling devices.
Smack and XMPP allow you to easily exchange data in various ways e.g., fire-and-forget, publish-subscribe, between human and non-human endpoints (M2M, IoT, …).
Instructions on how to use Smack in your Java or Android project are provided in the [Smack Readme and Upgrade Guide](https://igniterealtime.org/projects/smack/readme).
Most of Smack is governed by the Apache License 2.0 (SPDX License Identifier: Apache 2.0). This license requires that the contents of a NOTICE text file are shown "…within a display generated by the Derivative Works, if and wherever such third-party notices normally appear.".
Smack comes which such a NOTICE file. Moreover, since `smack-core` is licensed under the Apache License 2.0, the conditions apply to every project using Smack. The content of Smack's NOTICE file can conveniently be retrieved using `Smack.getNoticeStream()`.
Some subprojects of Smack are governed by other licenses. Please refer to the individual subprojects.
Some are paid, e.g., by their employer or a third party, for their contributions.
But many contribute in their spare time for free.
While we try to provide the best possible XMPP library for Android and Java SE-compatible execution environments by following state-of-the-art software engineering practices, the API may not always perfectly fit your requirements.
Hence welcome contributions and encourage discussion about how Smack can be further improved.
We also provide **paid services** ranging from **XMPP/Smack related consulting** to **designing and developing features** to accommodate your needs.
1. Read ["How to ask for help or report an issue"](https://github.com/igniterealtime/Smack/wiki/How-to-ask-for-help,-report-an-issue-and-possible-solve-the-problem-yourself)
The developers hang around in [smack@conference.igniterealtime.org](xmpp:smack@conference.igniterealtime.org?join). You may use [this link](https://inverse.chat/badge.svg?room=smack@conference.igniterealtime.org) to join the room via [inverse.chat](https://inverse.chat).
You can also reach us via the [Smack Support Forum] if you have questions or need support, or the [Smack Developers Forum] if you want to discuss Smack development.
If you want to start developing for Smack and eventually contribute code back, then please have a look at the [Guidelines for Smack Developers and Contributors](https://github.com/igniterealtime/Smack/wiki/Guidelines-for-Smack-Developers-and-Contributors).
The guidelines also contain development quickstart instructions.
[Ignite Realtime] is an Open Source community composed of end-users and developers around the world who are interested in applying innovative, open-standards-based RealTime Collaboration to their businesses and organizations.
