Christian WellsWhat 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
_usersand_replicatorDBs - Use firewalls (UFW or iptables) to limit exposed ports (default: 5984)
- Avoid binding to
0.0.0.0unless 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.
Select Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as your OS.
Choose a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.
Click Create Instance.
Once deployed, copy your server’s IP address from the Resources section.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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