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NodeBB Forum Software is powered by Node.js and supports either Redis, MongoDB, or a PostgreSQL database. It utilizes web sockets for instant interactions and real-time notifications. NodeBB takes the best of the modern web: real-time streaming discussions, mobile responsiveness, and rich RESTful read/write APIs, while staying true to the original bulletin board/forum format → categorical hierarchies, local user accounts, and asynchronous messaging.

NodeBB by itself contains a "common core" of basic functionality, while additional functionality and integrations are enabled through the use of third-party plugins.

NodeBB's theming engine is highly flexible and does not restrict your design choices. Check out some themed installs in these screenshots below:

Our minimalist "Harmony" theme gets you going right away, no coding experience required.

• If you are a developer, feel free to check out the source and submit pull requests. We also have a wide array ofplugins which would be a great starting point for learning the codebase.
• If you are a designer,NodeBB needs themes! NodeBB's theming system allows extension of the base templates as well as styling via SCSS or CSS. NodeBB's base theme utilizesBootstrap 5 as a frontend toolkit.
• If you know languages other than English you can help us translate NodeBB. We useTransifex for internationalization.
• Please don't forget tolike,follow, andstar our repo! Join our growingcommunity to keep up to date with the latest NodeBB development.

NodeBB requires the following software to be installed:

• A version of Node.js at least 20 or greater (installation/upgrade instructions)
• MongoDB, version 5 or greateror Redis, version 7.2 or greater
• If you are usingclustering you need Redis installed and configured.
• nginx, version 1.3.13 or greater (only if intending to use nginx to proxy requests to a NodeBB)

Please refer to platform-specific installation documentation.If installing via the cloud (or using Docker),please see cloud-based installation documentation.

It is important to ensure that your NodeBB and database servers are secured. Bear these points in mind:

1. While some distributions set up Redis with a more restrictive configuration, Redis by default listens to all interfaces, which is especially dangerous when a server is open to the public. Some suggestions:
   • Setbind_address to127.0.0.1 so as to restrict access to the local machine only
   • Userequirepass to secure Redis behind a password (preferably a long one)
   • Familiarise yourself withRedis Security
2. Useiptables to secure your server from unintended open ports. In Ubuntu,ufw provides a friendlier interface to working withiptables.
   • e.g. If your NodeBB is proxied, no ports should be open except 80 (and possibly 22, for SSH access)

Detailed upgrade instructions are listed inUpgrading NodeBB

NodeBB is licensed under theGNU General Public License v3 (GPL-3) (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html).

Interested in a sublicense agreement for use of NodeBB in a non-free/restrictive environment? Contact us atsales@nodebb.org.

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