Ok ok... So me using Lemmy.world is a specific instance of Lemmy, so it's almost like its own server? And other instances (maybe lemmy.unitiedstates?) is its own federated instance likely related to just U.S. posts and it can communicate with other instances? Do de-federated instances have no other communication with instances?

Apologies if these are silly, I feel like a dum dum because everyone else seems to grasp this except me.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 11 months ago

When you use Gmail to send an email to Outlook, those two servers are federated.

Defederation blocks communication between servers.

[–] Vanix 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

You pretty much got it! One nitpick, your example of Lemmy.unitedStates is not NECESSARILY a federated instance, just an instance. It may or may not be federated with other instances.

De-federated instances lose communication to/from the instances that said "im gonna de-federate from these Nazis", so again you pretty much got it right :) not silly questions at all! It's a new concept to many people and I promise you MANY people have and will ask these "dumb" (but not actually) questions!

[–] bouldering_barista 2 points 10 months ago

Got it! Tysm for the help I'm learninnnnng