Media handling

Surely media should be as easy as just putting a URL into an img and calling it good, right? Not quite. Matrix uses something called a Matrix Content URI (better known as MXC URI) to identify content, which is then converted to a regular HTTPS URL on the homeserver. However, sometimes that URL can change depending on deployment considerations.

The react-sdk features a customisation endpoint for media handling where all conversions from MXC URI to HTTPS URL happen. This is to ensure that those obscure deployments can route all their media to the right place.

For development, there are currently two functions available: mediaFromMxc and mediaFromContent. The mediaFromMxc function should be self-explanatory. mediaFromContent takes an event content as a parameter and will automatically parse out the source media and thumbnail. Both functions return a Media object with a number of options on it, such as getting various common HTTPS URLs for the media.

It is extremely important that all media calls are put through this customisation endpoint. So much so it's a lint rule to avoid accidental use of the wrong functions.