How to Install Diaspora* on OpenBSD

Introduction

Diaspora* is a free and open source social networking platform that helps users to share thoughts, ideas, and content in a more secure and private way. It offers features like photo sharing, group conversations, and account migration.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Diaspora* on an OpenBSD machine.

Prerequisites

• An OpenBSD machine
• Root access or sudo privileges

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

Before installing Diaspora*, you need to make sure that all the necessary dependencies are installed on your OpenBSD machine. Open the terminal and run the following command:

$ doas pkg_add go node npm mongodb

The command above will install Go programming language, Node.js, NPM package manager, and MongoDB on your OpenBSD machine.

Step 2: Clone the Diaspora* Repository

Now, you can clone the Diaspora* repository from the official GitHub page. Open the terminal and run the following command:

$ git clone https://github.com/diaspora/diaspora.git

This command will download the Diaspora* source code from the remote repository.

Step 3: Configure MongoDB

Diaspora* uses MongoDB as its primary database. You need to configure it before starting the installation process.

Open the MongoDB configuration file by running the following command:

$ doas vi /etc/mongod.conf

Now, add the following lines to the configuration file:

bind_ip = 127.0.0.1

Save the configuration file and start the MongoDB service by running the following command:

$ doas rcctl enable mongod
$ doas rcctl start mongod

Step 4: Configure Database for Diaspora*

Diaspora* requires a database connection to work properly. You need to create a new database for Diaspora*.

Log in to the MongoDB shell by running the following command:

$ mongo

Now, create a new database and user by running the following commands:

> use diaspora_production
> db.createUser({
    user: "diaspora",
    pwd: "your_password",
    roles: [
        { role: "readWrite", db: "diaspora_production" }
    ]
  })

Replace "your_password" with your desired password.

Step 5: Install Required Gems

Diaspora* requires several gems to run correctly. Install these gems by navigating to the Diaspora* directory and running the following command:

$ cd diaspora
$ gem install bundler
$ bundle install

Step 6: Configure Diaspora*

In the Diaspora* directory, copy the config/database.yml.example file to config/database.yml.

$ cp config/database.yml.example config/database.yml

Open the config/database.yml file and replace the username and password fields with the respective values you used in Step 4.

Now, generate a new secret key by running the following command:

$ bundle exec rake secret

Copy the output and paste it into the config/secrets.yml file in the production section.

Step 7: Run Database Migrations

Diaspora* has some database migrations that need to be executed before it can run. Navigate to the Diaspora* directory and run the following command:

$ RAILS_ENV=production bundle exec rake db:migrate

Step 8: Compile Assets

Before starting Diaspora*, you need to compile the assets by running the following command:

RAILS_ENV=production bundle exec rake assets:precompile

Step 9: Start the Server

Finally, start the Diaspora* server by running the following command:

RAILS_ENV=production bundle exec rails server

Your Diaspora* instance should now be up and running on http://localhost:3000.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install Diaspora* on an OpenBSD machine. With Diaspora*, you can create your own private social network to share your thoughts, ideas, and content with friends and family in a more secure and private way. If you face any issues during the installation process, feel free to drop a comment below.

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