How to Install NodeBB with Nginx Proxy on Ubuntu 24.04 Server

NodeBB is a powerful open-source forum software built on Node.js. This guide will walk you through installing NodeBB on an Ubuntu 24.04 server, setting it up with MongoDB, and using Nginx as a reverse proxy.

Step 1: Update the System

Begin by updating the package list and upgrading installed packages. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Install necessary dependencies, including Git, Node.js, MongoDB, and Nginx:

sudo apt install git curl nginx mongodb -y

Next, install Node.js. You can do this by adding the NodeSource repository and then installing Node.js:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -

sudo apt install nodejs

Step 3: Install and Configure MongoDB

Start the MongoDB service and enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl start mongodb

sudo systemctl enable mongodb

Create a MongoDB user and database for NodeBB:

mongo

use nodebb
db.createUser({user: "nodebbuser", pwd: "yourpassword", roles: ["readWrite"]})
exit
        

Step 4: Install NodeBB

Clone the NodeBB repository and navigate into the directory:

git clone -b v1.x.x https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB.git nodebb

cd nodebb

Install the NodeBB dependencies using npm:

npm install --production

Step 5: Configure NodeBB

Run the NodeBB setup script to configure the forum:

./nodebb setup

You will be asked to enter various settings such as database information, URL, and administrator details. Make sure to use the MongoDB credentials you created earlier.

Step 6: Set Up Nginx as a Reverse Proxy

To set up Nginx as a reverse proxy, create a configuration file for NodeBB:

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/nodebb

Add the following configuration:

server {
    listen 80;

    server_name your_domain.com;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:4567;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
        proxy_set_header Host $http_host;
        proxy_set_header X-NginX-Proxy true;

        proxy_redirect off;
    }
}
        

Enable the configuration and restart Nginx:

sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/nodebb /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Step 7: Start NodeBB

Start NodeBB using the following command:

./nodebb start

Now, you can access your NodeBB forum by visiting your domain in the browser.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed NodeBB with an Nginx proxy on your Ubuntu 24.04 server. Your forum is now ready for use. If you are using a remote server, ensure that all firewall and networking settings are properly configured to allow external access.