How to Install GoToSocial on Arch Linux

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing GoToSocial on your Arch Linux system.

GoToSocial is an open-source top-down social networking platform that allows users to build their social networks with customizable pages, social feeds, user groups, events, and more. It is based on Laravel and Vue.js frameworks and is available on GitHub: https://github.com/superseriousbusiness/gotosocial.

Prerequisites

• A running Arch Linux system with root/sudo privileges.
• A stable internet connection.

Installing Dependencies

1. Update your system:

sudo pacman -Syu

2. Install the required dependencies:

sudo pacman -S git apache mysql php php-apache php-gd php-intl php-mcrypt php-mysqli php-pear php-tidy php-xsl

3. Install the Node.js and npm packages:

sudo pacman -S nodejs npm

Installing GoToSocial

1. Clone the GoToSocial repository to your local system:

git clone https://github.com/superseriousbusiness/gotosocial.git

2. Move the GoToSocial directory to the Apache web root directory:

sudo mv gotosocial /srv/http/

3. Go to the GoToSocial directory:

cd /srv/http/gotosocial

4. Install the composer packages:

php composer.phar install

5. Install the npm packages:

npm install

6. Build the frontend:

npm run prod

Configuring the Database

1. Create a new database for GoToSocial:

mysql -u root -p

create database gotosocial;

2. Create a new user for the database:

create user 'gotosocial'@'localhost' identified by 'your_password';

3. Grant privileges to the user:

grant all privileges on gotosocial.* to 'gotosocial'@'localhost';

4. Import the GoToSocial database schema:

php artisan migrate

Setting Up Apache

1. Create a new Apache configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf/extra/gotosocial.conf

2. Add the following configuration:

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName your_domain.com

    DocumentRoot /srv/http/gotosocial/public
    <Directory /srv/http/gotosocial/public>
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>
</VirtualHost>

3. Save and exit the file.

4. Enable and start the Apache service:

sudo systemctl enable httpd
sudo systemctl start httpd

Testing GoToSocial

1. Open your web browser and enter your server's IP address or domain name.

2. You should see the GoToSocial setup page.

3. Follow the setup steps and enter the database details you configured.

4. Once the setup is complete, you can access the GoToSocial application.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed GoToSocial on your Arch Linux system. You can now explore the various features and customization options GoToSocial offers.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!