How to Install CouchDB on Debian 11

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Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install CouchDB on Debian 11, let's briefly understand – What is CouchDB?

CouchDB is a popular NoSQL database that stores and manages data using a document-based approach. It offers a flexible data model, allowing for easy adaptation to changing requirements. With built-in replication and synchronization support, CouchDB ensures data availability and consistency across devices and locations.

Its scalable architecture enables efficient handling of large datasets, while offline capabilities enable seamless data access and synchronization even without an internet connection.

In this tutorial, you will install CouchDB on Debian 11. We will also answer a few FAQs on How to Install CouchDB on Debian 11.

Advantages to Install CouchDB on Debian 11

Flexible Data Model: CouchDB's document-based approach allows for dynamic and schema-less data, accommodating changing requirements.
Replication and Sync: Built-in support for replication and synchronization ensures data availability and consistency across multiple devices and locations.
Scalability: CouchDB's distributed architecture enables horizontal scaling, allowing for high-performance handling of large amounts of data.
Offline Support: CouchDB's built-in offline capabilities enable seamless data access and synchronization even when disconnected from the network.
High Availability: CouchDB's fault-tolerant design and support for multi-node clusters ensure continuous availability of data, minimizing downtime and data loss.

Installing Dependencies

Execute the below commands to install the required packages.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl apt-transport-https gnupg -y
sudo apt install ncurses-term -y

Enabling CouchDB repository

Enabling the vendor repository and installing the binary packages is the simplest way to install CouchDB on CentOS 8.

For the CouchDB, repository to be enabled and the GPG key to be imported, use the following commands as root or a user with sudo privileges:

curl https://couchdb.apache.org/repo/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/couchdb-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null 2>&1

source /etc/os-release

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/couchdb-archive-keyring.gpg] https://apache.jfrog.io/artifactory/couchdb-deb/ ${VERSION_CODENAME} main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/couchdb.list >/dev/null

Installing CouchDB on Debian

Update the packages list and install CouchDB after the repository has been enabled:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install couchdb

You will first be prompted by the installer to choose between standalone and clustered installation modes for CouchDB. We will set up CouchDB in standalone mode on a single server.

Following that, you will be given the option of specifying the IP address of the network interface to which CouchDB will bind to. Leave the default 127.0.0.1 address alone for single-server configuration. When setting up a cluster, either type 0.0.0.0 to inform CouchDB to bind to all network interfaces or enter the interface IP address.

Set the admin password when the next prompt appears. Setting a password and removing CouchDB from the insecure “admin party” mode are strongly advised. The admin user is not created if this field is left empty.

The password must be verified for the installation to continue.

Verifying CouchDB Installation

The CouchDB server is active at localhost:5984. The following curl command will print information about the CouchDB database in JSON format, allowing you to verify that the installation was successful, and the service is up and running:

curl http://127.0.0.1:5984/

The result will appear as follows:

Output

{
   "couchdb":"Welcome",
   "version":"3.0.0",
   "git_sha":"03a77db6c",
   "uuid":"adab3f42ce6a06245d2955c1d6832266",
   "features":[
      "access-ready",
      "partitioned",
      "pluggable-storage-engines",
      "reshard",
      "scheduler"
   ],
   "vendor":{
      "name":"The Apache Software Foundation"
   }
}

The output is formatted for clarity.

You can access the CouchDB web-based interface, Fauxton, if you prefer a GUI:

http://127.0.0.1:5984/_utils/

FAQs to Install CouchDB on Debian 11

Are there any specific prerequisites for installing CouchDB on Debian 11?

Yes, before installing CouchDB, make sure you have administrative privileges and a stable internet connection on your Debian 11 system.

How long does the installation process take?

The installation typically takes a few minutes, depending on your internet speed and system specifications.

Is there a graphical interface available for managing CouchDB on Debian 11?

Yes, CouchDB provides a web-based graphical interface called Futon. You can access it by opening your web browser and navigating to "http://localhost:5984/_utils".

How can I secure my CouchDB installation on Debian 11?

CouchDB provides various security features like authentication and access control lists. You can enable and configure them in the CouchDB configuration file.

Can I access CouchDB remotely from another machine?

By default, CouchDB listens on localhost only. To allow remote access, you need to modify the "bind_address" setting in the configuration file.

How can I upgrade CouchDB to a newer version on Debian 11?

To upgrade CouchDB, run the command sudo apt-get update to update the package list, followed by sudo apt-get upgrade couchdb to upgrade the CouchDB package.

Where can I find additional documentation and support for CouchDB on Debian 11?

You can find detailed documentation and community support for CouchDB on the official Apache CouchDB website (couchdb.apache.org) and the CouchDB mailing list.