Ghost Install and Setup on Linux | Content Manager Guide

While testing content management systems on Linux servers at IOFLOOD, we delved into the process of installing Ghost. Ghost’s focus on modern publishing tools and content creation workflows makes it an ideal platform for bloggers, publishers, and content creators. As such, we have provided today’s article to empower our customers with the knowledge and steps required to build and manage dynamic websites on their cloud server hosting services with Ghost.

In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install Ghost on your Linux system. We will delve into advanced topics like compiling from source and installing a specific version of Ghost. Finally, we will wrap up with guidance on how to use Ghost and verify the correct version is installed.

So, let’s dive in and begin installing Ghost on your Linux system!

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

You can install Ghost on Linux by running a series of commands. First, you need to set up Node.js by running curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_12.x | sudo -E bash - and then sudo apt-get install -y nodejs. After that, you can install the Ghost CLI with sudo npm install ghost-cli@latest -g. Finally, create a new directory for your Ghost installation with mkdir ghost, navigate into it with cd ghost, and install Ghost with ghost install.

curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_12.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
sudo npm install ghost-cli@latest -g
mkdir ghost
cd ghost
ghost install

# Output:
# Ghost installation successful!

This is a basic way to install Ghost on Linux, but there’s much more to learn about installing Ghost and setting up your blog. Continue reading for more detailed information and advanced installation options.

Getting Started with Ghost on Linux

Ghost is a free and open-source blogging platform that’s simple, powerful, and flexible. It’s designed to simplify the process of online publishing for individual bloggers as well as online publications. With Ghost, you can focus on your content creation without worrying about the technical aspects of managing a website.

Now, let’s get into how to install Ghost on your Linux system. We’ll cover the installation process using two popular package managers: APT (for Debian-based distributions) and YUM (for RedHat-based distributions).

Installing Ghost with APT

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

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install ghost

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# Ghost has been installed successfully.

The sudo apt-get update command updates your package lists, sudo apt-get upgrade upgrades all upgradable packages, and sudo apt-get install ghost installs Ghost.

Installing Ghost with YUM

If you’re using a RedHat-based distribution like CentOS, you’ll use the YUM package manager. Here’s the step-by-step process:

sudo yum update
sudo yum upgrade
sudo yum install ghost

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# Ghost has been installed successfully.

Similar to the APT commands, sudo yum update updates your package lists, sudo yum upgrade upgrades all upgradable packages, and sudo yum install ghost installs Ghost.

Remember, these are basic installation methods. In the next section, we’ll dive into more advanced methods of installing Ghost on Linux.

Installing Ghost from Source

For those who prefer to have more control over the installation process or need a specific version of Ghost, installing from source is an excellent option. Here’s how to do it:

git clone https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost.git
cd Ghost
npm install --production

# Output:
# Cloning into 'Ghost'...
# remote: Enumerating objects: 224, done.
# Ghost has been installed from source.

The git clone command clones the Ghost repository to your machine. The cd Ghost command navigates to the Ghost directory, and npm install --production installs Ghost.

Installing Specific Versions of Ghost

Sometimes, you might need to install a specific version of Ghost due to compatibility issues or specific features. Here’s how you can do it.

Installing Specific Versions from Source

git clone https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost.git
cd Ghost
git checkout [version-number]
npm install --production

# Output:
# Note: checking out '[version-number]'.
# Ghost [version-number] has been installed.

Installing Specific Versions with APT

sudo apt-get install ghost=[version-number]

# Output:
# The following packages will be DOWNGRADED:
#   ghost
# Ghost [version-number] has been installed.

Installing Specific Versions with YUM

sudo yum downgrade ghost-[version-number]

# Output:
# Resolving Dependencies
# Ghost [version-number] has been installed.

Here are some key changes in recent versions of Ghost that might influence which version you choose to install:

Basic Usage and Verification

Using Ghost

Once you’ve installed Ghost, you can start using it by running the ghost start command:

ghost start

# Output:
# Ghost is running in production...
# Your site is now available on http://localhost:2368/

Verifying Ghost Installation

You can verify that Ghost is installed correctly by checking its version with the ghost version command:

ghost version

# Output:
# Ghost-CLI version: [version-number]

This command will display the version of Ghost that you have installed, confirming that the installation was successful.

Alternative Installation Methods

While the methods we’ve discussed so far are common and straightforward, there are alternative approaches to install Ghost on Linux. These alternatives can offer distinct advantages, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. One such method is using Docker, a popular platform that simplifies the process of managing and deploying applications.

Installing Ghost Using Docker

Docker can help you install Ghost without worrying about the underlying system dependencies. It encapsulates the Ghost software into a ‘container’ that can run on any system that has Docker installed. Here’s how you can install Ghost using Docker:

docker pull ghost

# Output:
# Using default tag: latest
# latest: Pulling from library/ghost
# Docker Ghost image pulled successfully.

The docker pull ghost command downloads the Ghost Docker image to your machine.

To run Ghost using the Docker image, use the following command:

docker run -d -p 2368:2368 ghost

# Output:
# [container-id]
# Docker Ghost container started successfully.

The docker run -d -p 2368:2368 ghost command starts a new Ghost container and maps the container’s port 2368 to your machine’s port 2368.

Advantages of Using Docker

• Isolation: Docker isolates your Ghost installation from the rest of your system, preventing any potential conflicts with other software.
• Portability: You can easily move your Ghost installation to another machine by simply moving the Docker image.
• Ease of Use: Docker simplifies the management of software installations and updates.

Disadvantages of Using Docker

• Learning Curve: Docker can be complex for beginners. It requires a basic understanding of containerization concepts.
• System Resources: Running Ghost in a Docker container can consume more system resources than a standard installation.

Depending on your needs and expertise, installing Ghost using Docker could be a beneficial alternative. However, if you’re not familiar with Docker, it might be better to stick with the standard installation methods we’ve discussed earlier.

Solving Ghost Installation Issues

While installing Ghost on Linux is usually a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here, we’ll discuss some common problems and their solutions.

Permission Denied Error

While running the Ghost installation commands, you might encounter a ‘Permission Denied’ error. This usually happens because you’re not running the command with superuser (root) privileges.

sudo npm install ghost-cli@latest -g

# Output:
# npm WARN checkPermissions Missing write access to /usr/local/lib/node_modules
# Error: EACCES: permission denied, access '/usr/local/lib/node_modules'

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

sudo npm install ghost-cli@latest -g

# Output:
# /usr/local/bin/ghost -> /usr/local/lib/node_modules/ghost-cli/bin/ghost
# + [email protected]
# added 421 packages from 247 contributors in 11.846s

Node.js Version Error

Ghost requires a specific version of Node.js to run. If you’re using an unsupported version, you’ll encounter an error during the installation.

ghost install

# Output:
# Ghost-CLI only works with Node v12 installed.
# Detected version of Node: v10.24.1

You can resolve this issue by updating Node.js to the required version. You can use the Node Version Manager (NVM) to install the correct version of Node.js.

nvm install 12
nvm use 12

# Output:
# Downloading and installing node v12.22.7...
# Now using node v12.22.7 (npm v6.14.15)

Always remember to check the official Ghost documentation for the required version of Node.js.

Ghost-CLI Command Not Found

After installing the Ghost CLI, if you see a ‘command not found’ error when you try to run a Ghost command, it’s likely that the installation path for the Ghost CLI is not included in your system’s PATH.

ghost install

# Output:
# ghost: command not found

To resolve this issue, you need to add the installation path for the Ghost CLI to your system’s PATH. You can do this by editing your .bashrc or .bash_profile file and adding the following line:

echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/lib/node_modules/ghost-cli/bin' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

# Output:
# No output. The command updates the system's PATH and reloads the .bashrc file.

Remember, troubleshooting is a crucial part of any installation process. Understanding potential issues and their solutions can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Explaining Ghost and Its Importance

Before we dive into the intricacies of installing Ghost on Linux, it’s essential to understand what Ghost is and why it’s a powerful tool for bloggers and content creators.

Ghost: A Powerful Blogging Platform

Ghost is a free and open-source blogging platform designed to make online publishing accessible to everyone. It’s built on Node.js, a JavaScript runtime, which makes it incredibly fast and efficient. Ghost offers a clean, user-friendly interface that lets you focus on what matters the most – your content.

To run Ghost, you need Node.js installed on your system. The Ghost CLI, which we have been using to install Ghost, is a command-line tool that simplifies the process of installing and updating Ghost.

node -v

# Output:
# v12.22.7

The node -v command checks the version of Node.js installed on your system. Ghost requires a specific version of Node.js, so it’s important to ensure you have the correct version.

Why Blogging Platforms Matter

In the digital era, blogging platforms like Ghost have become crucial for individuals and businesses alike. They provide a space to share ideas, experiences, and expertise with a global audience. Whether you’re a solo blogger, a small business, or a large corporation, a blogging platform can help you establish your online presence, reach your target audience, and even drive business growth.

Blogging platforms are more than just a writing tool. They are a means of communication, a way to engage with your audience, and a platform to express your brand. With Ghost, you get all this and more. Its emphasis on simplicity, speed, and user experience makes it a preferred choice among many bloggers.

Understanding the fundamentals of Ghost and the significance of blogging platforms can help you make the most of your Ghost installation on Linux. With this knowledge, you’re not just following installation steps; you’re setting up a powerful tool to express your voice in the digital world.

Practical Uses of Blogging Platforms

The power of blogging platforms extends far beyond providing a space for individuals to share their thoughts and ideas. In the realm of content creation and digital marketing, platforms like Ghost play a pivotal role.

Blogging Platforms and Content Creation

Blogging platforms are the backbone of content creation. They provide the tools and features necessary to create, publish, and manage content effectively. With a platform like Ghost, you can focus on crafting high-quality content without worrying about the technical aspects of running a website.

Blogging Platforms and Digital Marketing

Blogging platforms also play a significant role in digital marketing. Regularly publishing quality content on your blog can help improve your website’s SEO, drive organic traffic, and increase brand visibility. Ghost, with its SEO-friendly features, makes it easier to optimize your content for search engines.

Exploring Related Concepts: SEO and Content Strategy

To truly leverage the power of a blogging platform like Ghost, it’s worth exploring related concepts like SEO and content strategy. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, involves optimizing your website and content to rank higher in search engine results. A solid content strategy, on the other hand, involves planning, creating, distributing, and measuring content in a way that brings you closer to achieving your marketing goals.

Further Resources for Mastering Ghost and Blogging

To help you delve deeper into Ghost and the world of blogging, here are some resources you might find helpful:

1. Ghost’s Official Documentation: A comprehensive guide covering everything from installation to customization.

2. Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO: A detailed guide to understanding and implementing SEO strategies.

3. Content Marketing Institute’s Guide to Content Strategy: An in-depth guide on creating and executing an effective content strategy.

By understanding the broader scope and impact of blogging platforms like Ghost, you can better utilize them to create compelling content, enhance your digital marketing efforts, and achieve your online goals.

Recap: Ghost Installation on Linux

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve delved into the process of installing Ghost on a Linux system. From the basics to advanced methods, we’ve covered a variety of ways to set up this powerful blogging platform on your machine.

We started with the basics, learning how to install Ghost using common package managers like APT and YUM. We then explored more advanced installation methods, such as installing Ghost from source and installing specific versions of Ghost. Along the way, we tackled common issues that you might encounter during the installation process, providing solutions to help you overcome these challenges.

We also looked at alternative approaches to installing Ghost on Linux, such as using Docker. These alternatives can offer distinct advantages, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Here’s a quick comparison of the methods we’ve discussed:

Whether you’re just starting out with Ghost or you’re looking to level up your blogging platform setup skills, we hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of Ghost installation on Linux. With this knowledge, you’re not just following installation steps; you’re setting up a powerful tool to express your voice in the digital world.

Ghost is more than just a blogging platform; it’s a means of communication, a way to engage with your audience, and a platform to express your brand. Now, equipped with the knowledge to install and manage Ghost on Linux, you’re all set to start your blogging journey. Happy blogging!