#askfedi What is the best oldschool #forum software one can self-host on a small server?
"Best" as in some tradeoff of the following:
* bugfree (or not many bugs)
* safe, as in no or no discovered CVEs
* features for users, mods and admins
* maintainability
* safe, as in allows invite-only, and maybe review posts before being actually visible
Background is, that I have been thinking about hosting one for a long time, but it would probably be only for friends and friends of friends.
@zelphirkaltstahl I'm sorry this post will probably not help you, but I *think* I'm trying to build what you're looking for.
Unfortunately it's more like a neglected proof of concept (leisure project) than a robust product.
Here it is:
https://codeberg.org/aha/miniprat
These are the goals:
- Lightweight server
- Lightweight and static frontend (doesn't require js, if I remember correctly)
- Invite only (for small groups where someone in the group is server admin)
- Small and simple codebase
- Boring
Re: #askfedi What is the best oldschool #forum software one can self-host on a small server?
@zelphirkaltstahl@mastodon.social I would recommend NodeBB as it is a current generation, maintained forum softwar with a healthy plugin ecosystem and responsive developers (
)
NodeBB also talks to the Fediverse 🙂
@julian Thanks for the suggestion. I think though, that it is way to JS heavy for me. I want basically everything static pages and I don't need anything like live chat and stuff. Based on NodeJS makes me feel like it might be a resource hog on a small server and with all the supply chain dramas happening in the JS ecosystem, I am not sure I want to run it on my server.
Maybe I should have stated my goals a bit more precisely in my OP.
Re: #askfedi What is the best oldschool #forum software one can self-host on a small server?
@zelphirkaltstahl@mastodon.social that's fair, and something we consider carefully.
We might be building on js but NodeBB has a very small footprint because we take pride in prioritizing speed and efficiency.
Loading community.nodebb.org, 94 requests, 4.27mb.
Loading meta.discourse.org, 274 requests, 11.12mb.
phpBB wins though, 68 requests, 1.25mb 🤣
Still, we try. Also our pages are statically generated, and we are PWA if you prefer. You can disable all that if you like.
Edit: oh actually... A brand new NodeBB is significantly leaner, 35 requests, 1.60mb
