Key facts
- Discourse's official install method is Docker on a 64-bit Linux server
- Discourse needs at least 2 GB of RAM in practice, and 4 GB is more comfortable for a growing community
- At least 10 GB of disk is the stated minimum, plus room for uploads and backups
- Discourse bundles PostgreSQL, Redis, Sidekiq and nginx inside its container
- Discourse relies heavily on email, so a transactional email service is needed for sign-ups and notifications
- Discourse doesn't run on standard Plesk shared hosting; dijitul quotes a managed VPS
Why Discourse needs its own server
Discourse is not a PHP application. It is built with Ruby on Rails and Ember.js, and the only officially supported way to self-host it is the discourse_docker setup. That container includes PostgreSQL, Redis, Sidekiq background workers and its own nginx, and expects to own ports 80 and 443.
- A 64-bit Linux server with Docker
- At least 2 GB of RAM, with 4 GB more comfortable as a community grows
- At least 10 GB of disk, plus space for uploads and backups
- A dual-core CPU recommended
That is why it doesn't fit standard Plesk shared hosting, and why we host it on a dedicated managed VPS instead of the £1 a day plan.
What we set up and look after
We build a VPS sized for your community, install Docker and Discourse with the official installer, and point your domain at it using Cloudflare DNS. Then we:
- Run Discourse updates and ./launcher rebuild app when needed, and patch the operating system
- Keep Discourse's own backups and copy them off the server
- Monitor disk, memory and container health
- Add swap and tune memory settings so Sidekiq and the web workers don't fight
Email is the part that breaks most
Discourse depends on email for account confirmation, password resets, mentions and digest emails. A newer installer can skip SMTP by using Discourse ID for logins, but most communities still want email working. We connect Discourse to a transactional email service, set SPF, DKIM and DMARC for your domain, and test delivery to the big mailbox providers before you open the doors. If you also need mailboxes for staff, see email hosting.
Moving to Discourse from another forum
Discourse ships import scripts for phpBB, vBulletin, XenForo, SMF, MyBB, Invision and others. Imports run on the server from the command line and can take hours on a big board. We run them on a staging copy first, check users, categories and attachments came through, then repeat on the live server. Old forum URLs can be redirected using Discourse's permalink feature so search traffic carries over.
If you'd rather stay on PHP forum software and keep costs on the £1 a day plan, look at XenForo, phpBB or Flarum.
How Discourse pricing works with dijitul
Discourse hosting is quoted, because the right VPS depends on member numbers, uploads and plugins. The quote covers the server, setup, migration and ongoing management by our UK team. To get one, use the VPS hosting page or call 01623 650333. If you are running other Docker applications too, Docker hosting explains how we manage them.
Frequently asked questions
Can Discourse run on shared hosting?
No. Discourse is officially supported only as a Docker install on its own Linux server, with PostgreSQL, Redis and background workers inside the container. Standard cPanel or Plesk shared hosting can't run it. dijitul hosts Discourse on a managed VPS, priced by quote.
How much RAM does Discourse need?
Discourse needs at least 2 GB of RAM in practice, and 4 GB is more comfortable for a small to medium community. Very small installs can run on 1 GB with swap, but it is slow and fragile. Large communities with many plugins need more. dijitul sizes the VPS to your forum.
Who can host Discourse in the UK?
dijitul, a UK hosting company trading since 2006, hosts self-hosted Discourse on managed VPS servers. We install it with Docker, set up email delivery and backups, run updates and migrate your existing forum. Because it needs its own server, pricing is by quote.
Does Discourse need SMTP email?
Most communities need it. Discourse uses email for sign-up confirmations, password resets, notifications and digests. A newer installer option lets you skip SMTP by using Discourse ID for logins, but reliable transactional email is still recommended for a public forum.
Can I move my phpBB or vBulletin forum to Discourse?
Yes. Discourse has import scripts for phpBB, vBulletin, XenForo, SMF, MyBB and others, bringing across users, topics, posts and usually attachments. Imports run from the server command line and should be tested on a staging copy before the live move.
Related
Tell us what you need to run
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