How to Install Inboxen on macOS

Inboxen is an open-source email service that you can run on your own server. The service is designed to assist users in managing their email communication more effectively. You can follow the steps below to install Inboxen on your macOS device.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the installation process, make sure you have the following prerequisites:

• Python 3
• Pip
• Postgresql
• Git

Steps

1. Install virtualenv for Python. This tool enables you to create a virtual environment where you can install any necessary Python packages for Inboxen

   $ pip install virtualenv
   

2. Create a new virtual environment using the following command:

   $ virtualenv -p python3 inboxen_env
   

3. Activate the virtual environment using:

   $ source inboxen_env/bin/activate
   

4. Clone the Inboxen repository using:

   $ git clone https://github.com/deltachat/inboxen.git
   

5. Change into the newly cloned directory:

   $ cd inboxen
   

6. Install the necessary packages using:

   $ pip install -r requirements.txt
   

7. Create a new Postgresql database and user for Inboxen. You can use the following commands:

   $ sudo -u postgres psql
   $ create database inboxen_db;
   $ create user inboxen_user with encrypted password 'randompassword';
   $ grant all privileges on database inboxen_db to inboxen_user;
   $ \q
   

   Note: Replace "randompassword" with your preferred password.

8. Copy the configuration file template and edit it as needed:

   $ cp inboxen/settings/local.sample.env inboxen/settings/local.env
   $ nano inboxen/settings/local.env
   

   In the configuration file, make the following changes:

   • DATABASE_URL=postgresql://inboxen_user:randompassword@localhost/inboxen_db

9. Create the necessary tables in the database by running the following command:

   $ python manage.py migrate
   

10. Create a Django admin user with the following command:

    $ python manage.py createsuperuser
    

11. Finally, start the server:

    $ python manage.py runserver
    

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Inboxen on your macOS device. You can access the service by opening your web browser and navigating to http://localhost:8000.

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!