How to Install Focalboard on Ubuntu 22.04
Tags: vps, selfhosted
Published: 2024-06-24 20:09:12

#### Prerequisites

Before beginning the installation, ensure you have:
- A server running Ubuntu 22.04 (We recommend using a KVM-based NVMe VPS from [EcoStack Cloud](https://ecostack.cloud) for optimal performance)
- A user account with sudo privileges
- Basic familiarity with the command line

#### Step 1: Update the System

First, update your system packages to the latest versions.

```bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
```

#### Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Focalboard requires certain dependencies to run properly. Install them using the following command:

```bash
sudo apt install wget unzip -y
```

#### Step 3: Download Focalboard

Download the latest version of Focalboard from the official GitHub repository:

```bash
wget https://github.com/mattermost/focalboard/releases/download/v7.9.2/focalboard-server-linux-amd64.tar.gz
```

Note: Check the [Focalboard releases page](https://github.com/mattermost/focalboard/releases) for the latest version and update the URL accordingly.

#### Step 4: Extract the Archive

Extract the downloaded tarball:

```bash
tar -xvzf focalboard-server-linux-amd64.tar.gz
```

#### Step 5: Move Focalboard to the appropriate directory

Move the extracted files to a suitable location:

```bash
sudo mv focalboard /opt/
```

#### Step 6: Configure Focalboard

Create a configuration file for Focalboard:

```bash
sudo nano /opt/focalboard/config.json
```

Add the following content, adjusting as needed:

```json
{
  "serverRoot": "http://localhost:8000",
  "port": 8000,
  "dbtype": "sqlite3",
  "dbconfig": "/opt/focalboard/focalboard.db",
  "useSSL": false,
  "webpath": "./pack",
  "filespath": "./files",
  "telemetry": true,
  "session_expire_time": 2592000,
  "session_refresh_time": 18000,
  "localOnly": false,
  "enablePublicSharedBoards": true,
  "featureFlags": {}
}
```

Save and close the file.

#### Step 7: Create a Systemd Service File

Create a systemd service file to manage Focalboard:

```bash
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/focalboard.service
```

Add the following content:

```ini
[Unit]
Description=Focalboard Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
Restart=always
RestartSec=5s
ExecStart=/opt/focalboard/bin/focalboard-server
WorkingDirectory=/opt/focalboard

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
```

Save and close the file.

#### Step 8: Start and Enable Focalboard Service

Start the Focalboard service and enable it to start on boot:

```bash
sudo systemctl start focalboard
sudo systemctl enable focalboard
```

Check the status of the service:

```bash
sudo systemctl status focalboard
```

#### Step 9: Configure Firewall (Optional)

If you're using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), allow traffic on port 8000:

```bash
sudo ufw allow 8000/tcp
sudo ufw reload
```

#### Step 10: Access Focalboard

You can now access Focalboard by opening a web browser and navigating to:

```
http://your_server_ip:8000
```

Replace `your_server_ip` with your server's actual IP address or domain name.

#### Conclusion

You have successfully installed Focalboard on Ubuntu 22.04. You can now start creating boards, tasks, and collaborating on projects. For more information on using Focalboard, refer to the [official Focalboard documentation](https://www.focalboard.com/guide/user/).

Remember to keep your system and Focalboard updated regularly for security and performance improvements. If you're using an EcoStack Cloud KVM-based NVMe VPS, you'll benefit from their optimized infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation of your Focalboard instance.