Introduction
NodeBB is a modern, open‑source forum software built on Node.js and powered by WebSockets for real‑time interactions. It features a plugin ecosystem, theme support, social login integration, and a responsive design. Leveraging ClawCloud Run’s free tier, you can have a fully managed, secure, and scalable NodeBB instance up and running in minutes.
Prerequisites
- ClawCloud Account
Sign up or log in at the ClawCloud Console. - Real‑Name Verification
Complete any required identity checks. - (Optional) Domain Name
For binding your NodeBB forum to a custom URL.
Step 1: Log In to ClawCloud Run
- Navigate to the ClawCloud Run Console and sign in.
- You’ll arrive at the Run dashboard.
Step 2: Install NodeBB from the App Store
- From the dashboard, click “APP Store”.
- In the search box, enter “NodeBB”.
- Click “Deploy APP” on the NodeBB listing.
- The platform will provision an app named
nodebb-xxxxxxxx, including a MongoDB database.
Step 3: Access Your NodeBB Forum
- Under APP Launchpad, click Details on
nodebb-xxxxxxxx. - In the Network section, click the Public Address (e.g.,
https://abcd123.ap-northeast-1.clawcloudrun.com). - You’ll land on the NodeBB setup wizard—enter your forum title, admin username, password, and database details (pre‑filled).
Managing & Scaling Your NodeBB Deployment
To update settings—such as upgrading NodeBB, resizing compute, binding domains, or expanding storage—follow these steps:
- In APP Launchpad, select your
nodebb-xxxxxxxxapp. - Click Update in the top‑right corner.
1. Upgrading NodeBB Version
- In the Image section, change Image Name to the desired tag, for example:
nodebb/docker:nodebb-v2.0.0
2. Adjusting CPU & Memory
- Under Usage, drag the CPU and Memory sliders to allocate more resources.
3. Binding a Custom Domain
- CNAME your domain to the ClawCloud Run subdomain.
- In Network, click Custom Domain, enter your domain, and submit.
- Wait a few minutes for DNS propagation and automatic HTTPS certificate issuance.
4. Expanding Storage
- Under Local Storage, select your forum’s volume, enter the new capacity, and save.
Note: After making any changes, click Update and allow a few minutes for them to take effect.
You now have a fully managed NodeBB forum on ClawCloud Run, complete with real‑time features, custom theming, and the ability to scale as your community grows!