A self-hosted wiki serves as the backbone of knowledge management, providing a centralized repository for storing, organizing, and accessing information.

In comparison to something like a note-taking app, a self-hosted wiki is ultimately all about collaboration. The purpose of a wiki is to make storing, editing, and sharing knowledge at scale much easier. For both public and internal use.

It doesn't have to revolve around being able to edit content as a team, either.

Some individuals simply prefer self-hosted wikis over a note-taking app because it's easier to safely store content they care about and edit across devices.

That said, in 2024, there are quite a few options available for self-hosted wikis. It can be rather difficult to make a decision on which one is right for you. Our goal in this article is to change that.

Let's dive in.

DokuWiki: The veteran

We're going to start with the veteran of self-hosted wikis, DokuWiki:

Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, DokuWiki has been a favorite among those who prefer a no-frills approach to centralized knowledge management.

It relies solely on simple text files, and has zero database requirement, making it not only lightweight but incredibly simple to backup or migrate.

Sure, it's not very fancy, but it takes about 10 seconds to install and is the living embodiment of "it just works."

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maintain: DokuWiki’s file-based approach and lack of a database make it easy to set up, back up, and maintain.
• Extensive plugin repository: A wide range of plugins is available, enhancing functionality without complicating the core system.

Cons:

• Limited scalability: For larger organizations or those requiring more dynamic content, DokuWiki’s simplicity can be a limitation.
• Aesthetic and user experience: The interface feels a bit dated compared to newer platforms.

Wiki.js: The modern contender

Emerging as a modern alternative, Wiki.js impresses with its sleek interface, extensive feature set, and robust integration capabilities:

Built on Node.js, it offers a more contemporary approach to wiki management, supporting advanced content management features, including real-time collaboration, powerful search functionalities, and native Markdown support.

Unlike DokuWiki, Wiki.js relies on an SQL database to store its content, such as SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL/MariaDB. This makes it a bit more sophisticated by nature, but quite a bit more scalable.

Pros:

• Modern and intuitive Interface: Wiki.js provides a clean, modern user experience that enhances content creation and navigation.
• Real-time collaboration: Similar to Google Docs, Wiki.js supports real-time editing, making collaborative work seamless.
• Extensive Integration options: From authentication services like Google and Facebook to storage solutions like Dropbox and Google Drive, Wiki.js integrates effortlessly with a wide array of tools and platforms.

Cons:

• Higher resource requirements: Being a more complex system, Wiki.js demands more from your server compared to simpler file-based systems.
• Setup complexity: The initial setup and configuration might be scary for users unfamiliar with Node.js environments.

BookStack: The structured approach

BookStack was designed with a focus on simplicity and usability and organizes content into a hierarchical structure of books, chapters, and pages.

This approach, inspired by traditional documentation standards, makes it especially suitable for projects requiring clear, navigable content structures.

Overall, its user-friendly interface and straightforward editing capabilities have made BookStack a popular choice for those looking for an organized and efficient way to manage their knowledge base.

Like Wiki.js, it relies on an SQL database to store its content.

Pros:

• Highly organized structure: The clear hierarchy makes navigating and organizing content intuitive and efficient.
• Ease of use: Both the installation process and the day-to-day management of content are straightforward, catering to users who prioritize simplicity.
• Visual editor: Unlike DokuWiki and Wiki.js, which rely heavily on markup language, BookStack offers a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, lowering the barrier to entry for non-technical users. But it also supports Markdown.

Cons:

• Flexibility: The structured nature of BookStack can be a limitation for projects requiring a more flexible or non-linear approach to content management.
• Customization and extensions: BookStack offers fewer options for customization and extensions, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.

In-depth comparison and use cases

Choosing the right self-hosted wiki for you

When it comes to selecting the best self-hosted wiki, the choice largely depends on your specific needs:

• DokuWiki is ideal for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-manage solution with the flexibility provided by plugins.
• Wiki.js appeals to users looking for a modern, feature-rich platform with extensive integration capabilities and a focus on collaborative editing.
• BookStack is best suited for projects that benefit from a structured approach to content management and prioritize ease of use and organization.

In essence, each of these platforms has its strengths and target audience.

By carefully considering your requirements—be it simplicity, ease of maintenance, modern features, scalability, structure, or user-friendliness—you can select a wiki solution that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your future growth.

Thanks for reading

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