How to Install ClearFlask on Ubuntu Server Latest

ClearFlask is a free and open source forum platform that is built with Flask, the Python micro-framework. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install ClearFlask on Ubuntu Server Latest.

Prerequisites

Before you start, you need to have the following:

• A VPS or dedicated server running Ubuntu Server Latest
• A non-root user with sudo privileges
• Python 3.x installed on your server

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Packages

To ensure that your server has the latest stable packages, it is recommended to update and upgrade them first.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Packages

ClearFlask requires some additional packages to be installed including pip, git, and build-essential.

sudo apt install python3-pip git build-essential -y

Step 3: Clone ClearFlask repository

Next, we need to clone the ClearFlask repository from GitHub using git command.

git clone https://github.com/clearflask/clearflask.git

Step 4: Install Python Dependencies

Navigate to the ClearFlask directory and install Python dependencies using the requirements.txt file.

cd clearflask
pip3 install -r requirements.txt

Step 5: Configuration

Open the .env file in the ClearFlask directory using a text editor and update the following configuration options:

MAIL_SERVER=smtp.gmail.com
MAIL_PORT=587
MAIL_USERNAME=your_email@gmail.com
MAIL_PASSWORD=your_email_password
MAIL_USE_TLS=true
MAIL_USE_SSL=false
MAIL_DEFAULT_SENDER=your_email@gmail.com
SECRET_KEY=your_secret_key
DATABASE_URI=sqlite:///data/clearflask.db  #for SQLite

You can change the MAIL_SERVER and MAIL_PORT according to your email provider's settings. For the DATABASE_URI, you can also choose another database management system like MySQL or PostgreSQL.

Step 6: Create Database

Initialize the database by running the following command:

flask db upgrade

Step 7: Run ClearFlask

Now that everything is set up and configured, we can run ClearFlask. Run the following command:

flask run

Step 8: Access ClearFlask

Open your web browser and navigate to http://your_server_ip:5000/ or http://your_domain_name:5000/ to access ClearFlask. You should see the homepage and be able to start creating your first forum.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed ClearFlask on Ubuntu Server Latest. You can now start creating your own forum platform and customize it based on your preference.

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!