How to Install Lemmy on NetBSD

Lemmy is a self-hosted Reddit alternative platform written in Rust. In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Lemmy on NetBSD.

Prerequisites

Make sure you have the following software installed on your system:

• NetBSD 7.x or newer
• PostgreSQL 9.6 or newer
• Rust programming language
• Node.js and NPM
• Git

Step 1: Downloading and Installing Dependencies

Let's begin by updating the package manager's cache and installing the necessary packages:

pkgin update && pkgin install postgresql96-server rust nodejs git

After installing PostgreSQL, you must initialize the database cluster:

/usr/pkg/bin/initdb -D /var/postgresql/data

Start the PostgreSQL service:

/usr/pkg/bin/pg_ctl -D /var/postgresql/data -l logfile start

Step 2: Installing and Configuring Lemmy

Now, let's install and configure Lemmy. Start by cloning the source code from the official repository:

git clone --single-branch --branch stable https://github.com/LemmyNet/lemmy.git

Navigate to the lemmy directory and create the configuration file:

cd lemmy
cp .env.example .env

Edit the .env file and change the following parameters:

DATABASE_URL=postgres://<YOUR_USER>@localhost:5432/<YOUR_DATABASE_NAME>
SERVER_NAME=<YOUR_SERVER_NAME>

Replace the <YOUR_USER>, <YOUR_DATABASE_NAME>, and <YOUR_SERVER_NAME> placeholders with your desired values.

Now, compile the project:

cargo build --release

Finally, launch the server:

./target/release/lemmy rocket

You can stop the server by pressing CTRL + C.

Step 3: Setting Up a Reverse Proxy

For security reasons, it's recommended to use a reverse proxy to expose Lemmy to the internet. In this tutorial, we will use Nginx as a reverse proxy.

First, install Nginx:

pkgin install nginx

Next, create a configuration file:

vim /usr/pkg/etc/nginx/nginx.conf

Add the following content inside the http block:

server {
   listen 80;
   server_name <YOUR_SERVER_NAME>;

   location / {
      proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:8000;
      proxy_set_header Host $host;
      proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
      proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
   }
}

Replace <YOUR_SERVER_NAME> with your server's hostname or IP address.

Start the Nginx service:

/usr/pkg/sbin/nginx

Now, you should be able to access Lemmy using your server's IP address or domain name.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have shown you how to install and configure Lemmy on NetBSD. To further customize your instance, refer to the official documentation.

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!