How to Install Apache CouchDB on Ubuntu 24.04

What is Apache CouchDB?

Apache CouchDB is a NoSQL database designed for ease of use, reliability, and synchronization. It stores data in JSON documents and is built with high availability and replication in mind. CouchDB uses HTTP/REST APIs for database operations, making it simple to integrate with web and mobile applications.

Running CouchDB on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) provides a modern, secure, and stable environment for building distributed applications that rely on replicated, schema-free document stores.

Key Features of Apache CouchDB

Document-Oriented Database

Stores data as self-contained JSON documents
Supports attachments, revisions, and complex nested structures
No predefined schema—ideal for evolving application data

RESTful HTTP API

All operations (CRUD, views, replication) are performed over HTTP
Easily accessible from any language or platform that supports HTTP requests

Multi-Master Replication

Supports bidirectional synchronization across databases
Great for offline-first and mobile applications
Conflict resolution tools built-in

Built-in Web Interface (Fauxton)

Manage databases, documents, views, and replication through a GUI
Useful for administration, development, and monitoring

MapReduce Views

Custom indexing and queries using JavaScript-based MapReduce
Filtered queries on documents based on emitted keys

Clustered and Standalone Modes

Clustered mode supports sharding and node-based scaling
Standalone mode suitable for smaller deployments or edge devices

Security and Access Control

Role-based authentication and authorization
Supports HTTPS, CORS, and cookie-based sessions

Why Use CouchDB on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 provides a strong platform for CouchDB with:

Updated system packages and long-term support through 2029
Improved security defaults, systemd support, and filesystem enhancements
Compatibility with modern containerization (Docker, Podman) and cloud deployments
Easy access to CouchDB via official APT packages or Snap

System Requirements

Component	Minimum Requirement
OS	Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (64-bit)
CPU	1 core (multi-core for clusters)
RAM	512 MB (2+ GB recommended)
Disk Space	1 GB (SSD preferred for performance)
File System	ext4, ZFS, or XFS recommended
Required Packages	`erlang`, `curl`, `libicu`, `libmozjs`

Typical Use Cases

Mobile synchronization (offline-first apps)
IoT and edge computing where local writes sync later
Distributed systems needing eventual consistency
Lightweight REST-based document storage
CMS and blogging platforms storing JSON content
Multi-region applications with local data replicas

CouchDB vs Other NoSQL Databases

Feature	CouchDB	MongoDB	Cassandra	Firebase
Data Model	JSON documents	BSON documents	Wide-column	JSON (cloud)
REST API	Yes (native)	Indirect (via tools)	No	Yes
Replication	Multi-master sync	One-way (push/pull)	Eventual consistency	Automatic sync
Schema-less	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Offline Capability	Yes (syncable)	Requires extra setup	No	Yes
Conflict Handling	Built-in	Manual	No	Handled automatically
Ideal For	Distributed apps, mobile sync	General-purpose apps	Massive scale writes	Mobile-first apps

Deployment Options on Ubuntu 24.04

Standalone Instance: Simple local or development setup
Clustered Mode: High availability and horizontal scalability
Docker: Official CouchDB Docker image supports quick deployment
Snap Package: Install with snap install couchdb
Systemd Service: Automatically managed on boot using native init

Security Best Practices

Enable HTTPS and configure CouchDB for secure traffic
Define admin users and restrict access to _users and _replicator DBs
Use firewalls (UFW or iptables) to limit exposed ports (default: 5984)
Avoid binding to 0.0.0.0 unless behind a reverse proxy
Monitor logs for replication failures and conflicts

Monitoring and Management

Fauxton UI: Built-in admin panel for monitoring and operations
Prometheus exporters available for metrics collection
System logs (journalctl, rsyslog) for diagnostics
Integration with external tools like Kibana, Logstash, or Grafana

Apache CouchDB on Ubuntu 24.04 is a reliable, low-maintenance solution for developers and organizations that need a schema-less, replicated, and REST-accessible NoSQL database. Whether you’re building a synchronizing mobile app, a lightweight REST backend, or a distributed edge application, CouchDB’s document model and replication engine make it a great fit.

Ubuntu 24.04 enhances this with long-term support, security, and compatibility, ensuring that your CouchDB deployment is stable, scalable, and ready for production workloads.

Step 1: Set Up a VPS on Shape.Host

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click Create.

Choose Instance.

Pick your preferred server location.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

Select Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as your OS.

Choose a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Click Create Instance.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.

Once deployed, copy your server’s IP address from the Resources section.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

Linux/macOS:
Use this command in your terminal:

ssh root@your_server_ip

Windows:
Use PuTTY, enter your IP address, and log in as root.

Step 3: Update Your System

apt update

Refreshes your list of available packages.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 4: Install Dependencies

apt install curl apt-transport-https gnupg

Installs tools needed to fetch CouchDB securely.

Step 5: Add the CouchDB GPG Key

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

This adds CouchDB’s repository key so your system can verify the packages.

Step 6: Set Release Name Variable

source /etc/os-release

Loads the system’s version info — this is needed to target the correct Ubuntu version in the next step.

Step 7: Add the CouchDB Repository

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

Adds the CouchDB repository for Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble).

Terminal showing curl commands or output during Add the CouchDB Repository.

Step 8: Refresh Packages Again

apt update

Now your system knows about the CouchDB packages.

Step 9: Install CouchDB

apt install couchdb

Installs Apache CouchDB.

During installation, you’ll be asked to choose a standalone or clustered setup. For a single server, choose Standalone and enter an admin password.

Step 10: Check CouchDB Status

systemctl status couchdb

Verifies that CouchDB is running.

Terminal showing systemd service management commands or output.

Step 11: Allow Remote Access (Optional)

nano /opt/couchdb/etc/local.ini

Find this line:

[chttpd]
bind_address = 127.0.0.1

Change it to:

bind_address = 0.0.0.0

This allows you to connect to CouchDB from outside the server.

Step 12: Restart CouchDB

systemctl restart couchdb

Applies your changes and restarts the service.

Step 13: Confirm CouchDB is Listening

ss -tulpn | grep 5984

Checks if CouchDB is listening on port 5984.

Step 14: Test the Installation

curl http://127.0.0.1:5984/

This should return a JSON response showing CouchDB is up and running.

Terminal showing curl commands or output during Test the Installation.

You installed Apache CouchDB 3.x/8.x on Ubuntu 24.04, configured it to run, and optionally enabled remote access.

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