DokuWiki Setup Guide for Linux | An Easy Self-hosted Wiki

Creating and managing documents on our Linux servers at IOFLOOD is important for collaborative programming projects and notekeeping. We have utilized Dokuwiki for its features such as simple syntax, version control, and plugin support. As we wish to share our expertise and best practices for installing DokuWiki with our dedicated remote server customers and fellow developers, we have written today’s article.

In this guide, we will navigate the process of installing DokuWiki on your Linux server. We will provide you with installation instructions for both APT and YUM-based distributions. We’ll delve into more advanced topics like compiling DokuWiki from source and installing a specific version. Finally, we will guide you on how to use DokuWiki and verify that the correct version is installed.

So, let’s get started with the step-by-step DokuWiki installation on your Linux server!

TL;DR: How Do I Install DokuWiki on Linux?

You can install DokuWiki on Linux by downloading the DokuWiki tarball, extracting it, and then configuring your web server to serve the DokuWiki files. You can use the command wget http://download.dokuwiki.org/src/dokuwiki/dokuwiki-stable.tgz to download the DokuWiki tarball.

Here’s a simple example of how you might do this:

# Download the DokuWiki tarball
wget http://download.dokuwiki.org/src/dokuwiki/dokuwiki-stable.tgz

# Extract the tarball
tar xvf dokuwiki-stable.tgz

# Move the DokuWiki files to your web server's document root
mv dokuwiki-*/ /var/www/html/dokuwiki

# Output:
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/'
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/README'
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/VERSION'
# ...

This will download the DokuWiki tarball, extract it, and move the DokuWiki files to your web server’s document root. However, there’s much more to learn about installing DokuWiki on Linux. Continue reading for more detailed information and advanced installation options.

Quick Start for DokuWiki

DokuWiki is an open-source wiki software that doesn’t require a database. It’s written in PHP and uses plain text files to store data. It’s an excellent solution for creating and managing documentation, sharing knowledge within teams, and much more.

Now, let’s dive into the process of installing DokuWiki on Linux. We will cover the installation process using the package managers APT (for Debian/Ubuntu) and YUM (for CentOS/AlmaLinux).

Installing DokuWiki using APT

If you’re using a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu, you can install DokuWiki using the APT package manager. Here’s how you can do it:

# Update the package lists for upgrades and new package installations
sudo apt-get update

# Install DokuWiki
sudo apt-get install dokuwiki

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# ...
# Setting up dokuwiki (0.0.20180422.a-2) ...
# Processing triggers for libc-bin (2.31-0ubuntu9.7) ...

This command will update your package lists and then install DokuWiki.

Installing DokuWiki using YUM

If you’re using a Red Hat-based distribution like CentOS or AlmaLinux, you can install DokuWiki using the YUM package manager. Here’s how you can do it:

# Update your system
sudo yum -y update

# Install DokuWiki
sudo yum -y install dokuwiki

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, ovl
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# Resolving Dependencies
# --> Running transaction check
# ---> Package dokuwiki.noarch 0:0.0.20180422.a-2.el7 will be installed
# ...
# Installed:
# dokuwiki.noarch 0:0.0.20180422.a-2.el7

This command will update your system and then install DokuWiki.

Remember, the exact commands and output may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution and the current version of DokuWiki.

Advanced DokuWiki Install Methods

After understanding the basic installation of DokuWiki on Linux, you might want to explore more advanced installation methods. These methods include installing DokuWiki from source and installing specific versions of DokuWiki.

Installing DokuWiki from Source

Installing DokuWiki from source allows you to have the latest features that might not be available in the package managers. Here’s how you can do it:

# Download the latest DokuWiki tarball
wget https://download.dokuwiki.org/src/dokuwiki/dokuwiki-stable.tgz

# Extract the tarball
tar xvf dokuwiki-stable.tgz

# Move the DokuWiki files to your web server's document root
sudo mv dokuwiki-*/ /var/www/html/dokuwiki

# Output:
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/'
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/README'
# 'dokuwiki-2018-04-22b/VERSION'
# ...

This command will download the latest DokuWiki tarball, extract it, and move the DokuWiki files to your web server’s document root.

Installing Specific Versions of DokuWiki

There might be situations where you need to install a specific version of DokuWiki. This could be due to compatibility issues, specific feature requirements, or other reasons. Below are the methods to install specific versions of DokuWiki from source and using package managers.

Installing a Specific Version from Source

To install a specific version from source, you need to know the exact version number. Once you have that, you can download the corresponding tarball from the DokuWiki download page. For example, to install DokuWiki version 2017-02-19e “Frusterick Manners”, you would do the following:

# Download the specific DokuWiki tarball
wget https://download.dokuwiki.org/out/dokuwiki-2017-02-19e.tgz

# Extract the tarball
tar xvf dokuwiki-2017-02-19e.tgz

# Move the DokuWiki files to your web server's document root
sudo mv dokuwiki-2017-02-19e/ /var/www/html/dokuwiki

# Output:
# 'dokuwiki-2017-02-19e/'
# 'dokuwiki-2017-02-19e/README'
# 'dokuwiki-2017-02-19e/VERSION'
# ...

Installing a Specific Version using Package Managers

With package managers like APT and YUM, you can also install specific versions of DokuWiki. However, the available versions depend on the package repository of your Linux distribution. Here is an example of how to install a specific version using APT:

# Install a specific version of DokuWiki
sudo apt-get install dokuwiki=2017-02-19e

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# ...
# Setting up dokuwiki (2017-02-19e) ...
# Processing triggers for libc-bin (2.31-0ubuntu9.7) ...

Understanding DokuWiki Versions

DokuWiki versions are named after characters from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. Each version also has a date code that indicates when it was released. Here’s a comparison of some DokuWiki versions:

Verifying DokuWiki Installation

After installing DokuWiki, you can verify that it’s installed correctly by accessing the DokuWiki setup script through your web browser. The URL will be something like http://your-server-ip/dokuwiki/install.php.

Basic Usage of DokuWiki

Once DokuWiki is installed, you can create and edit wiki pages through your web browser. To create a new page, simply navigate to a URL that doesn’t exist yet, and DokuWiki will give you the option to create a new page. To edit an existing page, click the ‘Edit’ button at the top of the page.

Remember, the exact commands and output may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution and the current version of DokuWiki.

Alternative Wiki Software

While DokuWiki is an excellent choice for a wiki platform, there are other options available. Two popular alternatives are MediaWiki and Tiki Wiki. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.

Installing MediaWiki on Linux

MediaWiki is the platform used by Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. It’s highly customizable and has a large number of extensions available.

Here’s a simple example of how to install MediaWiki on a Debian-based Linux distribution:

# Update package lists
sudo apt-get update

# Install MediaWiki
sudo apt-get install mediawiki

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# ...
# Setting up mediawiki (1:1.35.2-1) ...
# Processing triggers for libc-bin (2.31-0ubuntu9.7) ...

Installing Tiki Wiki on Linux

Tiki Wiki is another robust wiki platform. It’s known for its large number of features and integrated tools.

Here’s how you might install Tiki Wiki on a CentOS-based Linux distribution:

# Update your system
sudo yum -y update

# Install Tiki Wiki
sudo yum -y install tikiwiki

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, ovl
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# Resolving Dependencies
# --> Running transaction check
# ---> Package tikiwiki.noarch 0:21.2-1.el7 will be installed
# ...
# Installed:
# tikiwiki.noarch 0:21.2-1.el7

Comparing DokuWiki, MediaWiki, and Tiki Wiki

Each of these platforms has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a brief comparison:

While DokuWiki is easier to install and doesn’t require a database, MediaWiki and Tiki Wiki offer a larger number of features and extensions. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and the resources available to you.

Remember, the exact commands and output may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution and the current version of the wiki software.

Troubleshooting DokuWiki Installations

Installing DokuWiki on Linux is usually a straightforward process. However, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Issue: Permission Denied

One common issue when installing DokuWiki is a ‘Permission denied’ error. This can occur when you try to move the DokuWiki files to your web server’s document root without sufficient permissions.

# Attempt to move the DokuWiki files without sufficient permissions
mv dokuwiki-*/ /var/www/html/dokuwiki

# Output:
# mv: cannot move 'dokuwiki-*/' to '/var/www/html/dokuwiki': Permission denied

To resolve this issue, you can use the sudo command to run the command with root permissions.

# Move the DokuWiki files with root permissions
sudo mv dokuwiki-*/ /var/www/html/dokuwiki

# Output:
# (no output on success)

Issue: Package Not Found

Another common issue is a ‘Package not found’ error when trying to install DokuWiki using a package manager. This can occur if the package is not available in your Linux distribution’s package repository.

# Attempt to install DokuWiki with a package manager
sudo apt-get install dokuwiki

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# E: Unable to locate package dokuwiki

To resolve this issue, you can try installing DokuWiki from source instead. Alternatively, you can try adding a third-party repository that includes the DokuWiki package.

Issue: Web Server Not Configured Correctly

After installing DokuWiki, you might find that you can’t access it through your web browser. This could be due to your web server not being configured correctly.

To resolve this issue, you need to ensure that your web server is set up to serve the DokuWiki files. This involves configuring your web server to use the DokuWiki directory as the document root. The exact process depends on your web server software (e.g., Apache, Nginx).

Remember, the exact commands and output may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution, the current version of DokuWiki, and your web server software.

The Benefits of Using a Wiki

Using a wiki for information management has several benefits. It allows for real-time collaboration, making it easy for teams to work together on documents. It also keeps all information in one place, making it easy to find and update. Furthermore, it provides a history of changes, allowing you to track edits and revert to previous versions if necessary.

In summary, DokuWiki is a powerful tool for information management. Its ease of installation on Linux and its robust features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to set up a wiki.

The Power of Wiki Software

Wiki software enables the creation of a fully functional website where users can collaborate on content. It’s a powerful tool for information management, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from personal note-taking to enterprise-level project management.

# Example of a wiki page in markdown
---
Title: My Wiki Page
Author: Anton
Date: Today
---

# My Wiki Page

This is my wiki page. Here, I can write notes, collaborate with others, and manage information.

# Output:
# A wiki page titled 'My Wiki Page' with some basic content

The above example is a simple wiki page written in markdown. It shows how easy it is to create and manage content with wiki software.

Why Choose DokuWiki?

When it comes to choosing a wiki platform, DokuWiki stands out for several reasons. It’s open-source, which means it’s free to use and continuously improved by a community of developers. It’s written in PHP and uses plain text files to store data, making it easy to install and manage.

DokuWiki also offers a range of features that make it a versatile tool for information management. These include a simple syntax for creating and editing pages, integrated access controls for managing permissions, and a large number of plugins for extending functionality.

# Example of DokuWiki syntax

====== My DokuWiki Page ======

This is my DokuWiki page. Here, I can write notes, collaborate with others, and manage information.

# Output:
# A DokuWiki page titled 'My DokuWiki Page' with some basic content

The above example is a simple DokuWiki page. The syntax is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to create and edit pages.

Usage Cases for DokuWiki

DokuWiki’s utility extends beyond just being a platform for creating wikis. It’s also a powerful tool for project management and knowledge sharing. Its integrated access controls, simple syntax, and extensive plugin library make it a versatile tool for managing projects and sharing knowledge.

DokuWiki for Project Management

DokuWiki can be effectively used for project management. Its features like task lists, Gantt charts (with the help of plugins), and version control make it a comprehensive project management tool. Here’s an example of how you might use DokuWiki to manage a project:

# Example of a DokuWiki project management page in markdown
---
Title: Project Management Page
Author: Anton
Date: Today
---

# Tasks

  * Task 1
  * Task 2
  * Task 3

# Gantt Chart

[Insert Gantt chart here]

# Output:
# A project management page with a task list and a Gantt chart

DokuWiki for Knowledge Sharing

DokuWiki is also an excellent platform for knowledge sharing. Its user-friendly interface and simple syntax make it easy for anyone to create and edit pages, making it an ideal tool for creating a shared knowledge base. Here’s an example of how you might use DokuWiki to share knowledge:

# Example of a DokuWiki knowledge sharing page in markdown
---
Title: Knowledge Sharing Page
Author: Anton
Date: Today
---

# Topic 1

Information about topic 1.

# Topic 2

Information about topic 2.

# Output:
# A knowledge sharing page with information about two topics

Diving Deeper: User Management and Permissions in DokuWiki

To take full advantage of DokuWiki’s capabilities, it’s worth exploring its user management and permissions features. These allow you to control who can view and edit your wiki, making it a powerful tool for managing access to information.

Further Resources for DokuWiki Mastery

To learn more about DokuWiki, check out the following resources:

• DokuWiki Educational Resource – Learn how to use DokuWiki with tutorials and guides.

• DokuWiki Overview – An introduction to the elegant and lightweight DokuWiki engine.

• Official DokuWiki Documentation – The complete resource for DokuWiki setup, usage, and customization.

These resources provide a wealth of information about DokuWiki, from basic usage to advanced features. They’re a great place to start if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of DokuWiki.

Recap: DokuWiki Linux Installation

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve delved into the process of installing DokuWiki, a simple yet powerful open-source wiki software, on a Linux server. We’ve covered everything from the basics to advanced techniques, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to set up your own wiki.

We began with the basics, learning how to install DokuWiki using package managers like APT and YUM. We then took a step further into more advanced territory, exploring how to install DokuWiki from source and how to install specific versions of DokuWiki. Along the way, we provided practical code examples and their explanations, helping you understand each step of the process.

We also examined alternative approaches to installing wiki software on Linux, including MediaWiki and Tiki Wiki, and discussed their pros and cons. This gave us a broader view of the landscape of wiki software, showing that while DokuWiki is a great choice, there are other options depending on your specific needs.

Finally, we delved into common issues you might encounter when installing DokuWiki on Linux, such as ‘Permission denied’ and ‘Package not found’ errors, and provided solutions to these problems. This troubleshooting guide should help you navigate any hurdles you encounter during the installation process.

Whether you’re just starting out with DokuWiki or you’re looking to deepen your understanding, we hope this guide has been a valuable resource. With DokuWiki, you have a powerful tool for information management at your fingertips. Happy wiki building!