How to Install NocoDB (Airtable Alternative) on Ubuntu 24.04

NocoDB (Airtable Alternative) on Ubuntu 24.04 (Docker + Nginx + SSL)

NocoDB is an open-source Airtable alternative that turns any SQL database into a smart spreadsheet interface. It provides a modern, collaborative platform to manage data visually — supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, and MariaDB backends. With NocoDB, you can build no-code applications, internal dashboards, and API-based workflows directly on top of your databases.

Running NocoDB on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) ensures a secure, long-term supported, and optimized environment for modern web applications. Ubuntu 24.04 includes systemd 255, OpenSSL 3, and updated Docker packages, making it ideal for deploying NocoDB with Docker, Nginx, and SSL for production-grade reliability.

Architecture Overview

Layer	Component	Role
OS	Ubuntu 24.04 LTS	Stable and long-term supported base OS
Container Runtime	Docker Engine + Compose	Manages NocoDB and related services
Application	NocoDB (Node.js)	Main web application and API service
Database	PostgreSQL / MySQL / MariaDB	Stores data and schema for NocoDB
Reverse Proxy	Nginx	Handles HTTPS termination, caching, and routing
TLS	Let’s Encrypt / PKI	Provides SSL for secure access to NocoDB dashboard

Why Use NocoDB?

Open-source Airtable alternative – self-hosted with full control over your data.
Spreadsheet-like interface – intuitive and collaborative, no coding required.
Multi-database support – connect to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and SQL Server.
REST & GraphQL APIs – automatically generated endpoints for database access.
Role-based access control – manage teams and permissions effectively.
Extensible & programmable – integrate via webhooks, automations, and scripts.
Private, scalable, and secure – ideal for both individuals and enterprises.

NocoDB vs Other Data Platforms

Feature/Capability	NocoDB (Self-hosted)	Airtable	Baserow	SeaTable
Hosting	Self-hosted / Cloud	Cloud only	Self-hosted / Cloud	Self-hosted / Cloud
Database backend	MySQL / PostgreSQL / SQLite	Proprietary	PostgreSQL	Proprietary
API Access	REST & GraphQL	Limited	REST	REST
Cost	Free, open-source	Subscription	Free/Paid	Subscription
Data Ownership	Full control	Cloud-managed	Full control	Partial
Customization	High	Limited	Moderate	Moderate

NocoDB provides the power of Airtable combined with the flexibility of SQL — a perfect blend for businesses seeking a no-code platform without vendor lock-in.

Security & Best Practices

Deploy behind Nginx with HTTPS (Let’s Encrypt recommended).
Use environment variables for database credentials (.env file).
Restrict NocoDB’s internal port (default 8080) to localhost only.
Keep Docker, NocoDB, and Ubuntu packages updated regularly.
Enable UFW firewall and allow only ports 80/443.
Automate SSL renewals using Certbot or Traefik ACME integration.
Schedule database backups regularly (PostgreSQL or MySQL).
Enable NocoDB’s authentication and team management features.
Apply fail2ban or rate-limiting rules for Nginx to prevent brute-force attacks.

Typical Use Cases

Internal tools – build web-based dashboards and admin panels.
Project & CRM management – track projects, clients, and leads.
Inventory management – maintain real-time product databases.
Data visualization – create charts, grids, and Kanban boards.
API automation – expose database tables as REST/GraphQL APIs instantly.
Collaboration platform – manage data with team permissions and sharing.

Deploying NocoDB on Ubuntu 24.04 with Docker, Nginx, and SSL gives you a powerful, self-hosted Airtable alternative that combines ease of use with enterprise-grade scalability — a perfect fit for modern data-driven organizations.

Create Your Cloud Server on Shape.Host

Before installing anything, you need a VPS running Ubuntu 24.04.

Follow these steps:

Go to https://shape.host and log into your dashboard.

Click Create (top-right).

Select Instance.

Choose the datacenter location nearest to your users.

Under the OS list, select Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit).

Select a plan — recommended minimum for NocoDB:

2 vCPUs

4 GB RAM

20 GB NVMe storage

Click Create Instance.

Wait for deployment (usually under 30 seconds).

Copy your server’s public IP address from the “Resources” section.

Your cloud server is now ready.

Step 1: Connect to Your Instance (SSH)

Now connect to your new VPS.

On macOS or Linux:

Open Terminal and run:

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

On Windows:

You can use:

Windows Terminal
PowerShell
PuTTY

Using Windows Terminal / PowerShell:

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

When prompted to trust the fingerprint, type yes.

You’re now inside your Ubuntu 24.04 server as root, ready to install NocoDB.

Step 2: Update System Packages

apt update

This refreshes Ubuntu’s package list so you always download the newest packages.

Step 3: Install System Dependencies

apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

What we are installing:

apt-transport-https → enables secure APT downloads
ca-certificates → validates secure websites
curl → tool for downloading files
software-properties-common → manages additional repositories

These are necessary before adding Docker’s official repo.

Step 4: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

This downloads and stores Docker’s signing key.
Ubuntu uses this key to verify Docker packages are trusted and unmodified.

Step 5: Add the Docker Repository

echo   "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] \
  https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"   | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

This command adds the official Docker repository for your specific Ubuntu version.

Step 6: Refresh Package List

apt update

Ubuntu now includes Docker packages in the search index.

Step 7: Install Docker Engine + Docker Compose

apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli docker-compose-plugin

This installs:

Docker CE → main container engine
Docker CLI tools → allows using the docker command
Docker Compose v2 plugin → allows docker compose up

Step 8: Enable Docker at Boot

systemctl enable docker

Ensures Docker starts automatically every time your server reboots.

Step 9: Start Docker

systemctl start docker

Starts the Docker service immediately.

Step 10: Allow Your User to Run Docker Without sudo

usermod -aG docker $USER

This adds your user to the docker group, avoiding permission issues.

You must log out and back in for this to take effect.

Step 11: Create the NocoDB Folder

mkdir ~/nocodb

Creates a folder in your home directory where NocoDB files and configs will live.

Step 12: Enter the NocoDB Directory

cd ~/nocodb

Step 13: Generate a Secure JWT Secret

NocoDB requires a long random key for security.

openssl rand -hex 32

Copy the generated key — you will paste it into the config.

Step 14: Create the Docker Compose File

nano docker-compose.yml

Paste your exact content:

version: '3.8'

services:
  nocodb:
    image: nocodb/nocodb:latest
    container_name: nocodb
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    volumes:
      - nocodb_data:/usr/app/data
    environment:
      - NC_AUTH_JWT_SECRET=YOUR_RANDOM_JWT_SECRET
    restart: unless-stopped

volumes:
  nocodb_data:

What this file does:

Deploys NocoDB from the official image
Exposes the app on port 8080
Creates a persistent data volume
Applies your secure JWT secret
Automatically restarts if crashed

Save and close with:
CTRL + O → ENTER → CTRL + X

Step 15: Start NocoDB

docker compose up -d

This downloads the container and launches it in the background.

Step 16: Confirm NocoDB Is Running

docker ps

Look for:

nocodb   Up

Step 17: View Logs (Optional)

docker compose logs

Useful if something didn’t start correctly.

Step 18: Access NocoDB in Your Browser

Visit:

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080

NocoDB should now load its setup screen.

Step 19: Install Nginx + Certbot (HTTPS Reverse Proxy)

apt install nginx certbot python3-certbot-nginx

This installs:

nginx → reverse proxy
certbot → issues free SSL
nginx plugin → automatic SSL config

Step 20: Create a Reverse Proxy Config

nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/nocodb.conf

Paste:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name your.domain.com;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:8080;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
    }
}

This makes Nginx forward all web traffic to the NocoDB container.

Step 21: Enable the Site

ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/nocodb.conf /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/

Step 22: Test Nginx Configuration

nginx -t

Step 23: Reload Nginx

systemctl reload nginx

Step 24: Enable SSL (HTTPS)

certbot --nginx -d ubuntu-tutorials.shape.host

This automatically:

Issues the SSL certificate
Updates your Nginx config
Enables HTTPS
Reloads Nginx

Step 25: Access NocoDB Securely

https://your.domain.com

You now have a fully secured and production-ready NocoDB deployment.

To host modern applications like NocoDB efficiently, you need fast storage, reliable uptime, and clean OS images.

Shape.Host Cloud VPS offers:

High-performance NVMe servers
Fast global datacenters
Instant deployment
Perfect compatibility with Docker, Nginx, and self-hosted apps
Flexible pricing and excellent uptime

For professional deployments and smooth performance, Shape.Host is your ideal hosting provider.

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