What is the key distinction between public and private channels in Slack?

The key distinction between public and private channels in Slack is that public channels are open to all members of the workspace. This means any member can join these channels without needing an invitation, and the content shared within these channels is visible to everyone in the workspace. This is particularly useful for fostering collaboration and communication across different teams and departments within an organization.

In contrast, private channels are designed for discussions that require confidentiality or are restricted to a specific group of people. Only those who are invited to a private channel can view its content or participate in it. Therefore, while public channels promote openness and accessibility, private channels ensure that sensitive discussions remain exclusive to a select group of participants.

Understanding this distinction helps users navigate Slack effectively, choosing the appropriate channel type based on the nature of the conversation or project.