- GitHub stars
- 47,967
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Latest release
- _gh-attach-assets
15 July 2026 - Last commit
- 13 October 2026
- Runs on
- Docker
Commits per month, last 12 months
6,938 commits
Replaces
Paid products Discourse can stand in for.
How to self-host Discourse
Discourse runs on Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.
- Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
- Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
- Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
- Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.
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Questions
Is Discourse free?
Yes. Discourse is open source under the GPL-2.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.
Can I self-host Discourse?
Yes. Discourse runs on Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.
What does Discourse replace?
People use Discourse instead of Circle, XenForo, Facebook Groups or Google Groups.
Is Discourse still maintained?
The last change to Discourse's code was on 13 October 2026, with 6938 commits in the last 12 months.
Topics
App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.