How to Install NocoDB (Airtable Alternative) on AlmaLinux 9

NocoDB (Airtable Alternative) on AlmaLinux 9 (Docker + Nginx + SSL)

NocoDB is a modern, open-source Airtable alternative that transforms any SQL database into a smart spreadsheet interface. It allows teams to collaborate, visualize, and manage data without writing code, while automatically generating REST and GraphQL APIs for every table. With features such as role-based access control (RBAC), custom dashboards, and automation, NocoDB is perfect for building internal tools, CRMs, and data-driven applications.

Running NocoDB on AlmaLinux 9, a RHEL-compatible enterprise operating system, ensures long-term stability, security, and performance. With Docker Compose, Nginx, and SSL encryption, AlmaLinux 9 provides a robust, production-ready environment for hosting NocoDB with full control over data and scalability.

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Architecture Overview

Layer	Component	Role
OS	AlmaLinux 9	RHEL-compatible, enterprise-grade Linux base
Container Runtime	Docker Engine + Compose	Orchestrates NocoDB and related services
Application	NocoDB (Node.js)	Web-based spreadsheet interface and backend API
Database	PostgreSQL / MySQL / MariaDB	Stores data, schema definitions, and user configurations
Reverse Proxy	Nginx	Handles HTTPS termination, caching, and routing
TLS	Let’s Encrypt / PKI	Provides SSL encryption for secure web access

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Why Use NocoDB?

• Self-hosted Airtable replacement – build collaborative databases with full data control.
• Spreadsheet-like UI – manage SQL tables visually with sorting, filters, and formulas.
• REST & GraphQL APIs – instantly expose database data for developers and integrations.
• No-code/low-code platform – connect, visualize, and automate workflows easily.
• Supports all major SQL databases – MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and SQL Server.
• User and role management – control who can view, edit, or share datasets.
• Open-source and extensible – integrate via webhooks, plugins, and APIs.

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NocoDB vs Other No-Code 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
Data Ownership	Full control	Cloud storage	Full control	Partial
Cost	Free, open-source	Subscription	Free/Paid	Paid
Customization	High	Limited	Moderate	Moderate

NocoDB combines the ease of Airtable with the flexibility of SQL, offering a scalable, enterprise-ready solution for teams seeking data freedom and extensibility.

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Security & Best Practices

• Run behind Nginx with HTTPS (Let’s Encrypt or internal CA).
• Use Docker secrets or .env files to store credentials securely.
• Restrict NocoDB’s application port (8080) to localhost.
• Limit database access to internal Docker networks only.
• Enable SELinux enforcing mode and open only ports 80 and 443 via firewalld.
• Automate SSL renewals using Certbot or Traefik ACME integration.
• Keep AlmaLinux, Docker, and NocoDB images updated.
• Schedule regular database backups using pg_dump or mysqldump.
• Implement Nginx rate limiting and fail2ban for login protection.

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Typical Use Cases

• Internal dashboards – connect existing SQL data and visualize it instantly.
• CRM systems – manage leads, clients, and sales pipelines.
• Project & task management – track progress using Kanban and grid views.
• Inventory management – maintain real-time product and supplier data.
• Data collaboration – enable teams to manage databases without SQL expertise.
• API automation – integrate backend services using auto-generated APIs.

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Deploying NocoDB on AlmaLinux 9 with Docker, Nginx, and SSL provides a secure, enterprise-ready Airtable alternative — combining the power of SQL with the simplicity of spreadsheets, all hosted in your own infrastructure for maximum privacy and flexibility.

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Create a Cloud Server Instance on Shape.Host

Before installing NocoDB, you need a clean AlmaLinux 9 VPS.

Follow these steps at Shape.Host:

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

Click Create from the top-right menu.

Select Instance.

Choose your preferred data center.

Under “Operating System,” select AlmaLinux 9 (64-bit).

Choose a plan. Recommended minimum for NocoDB:

2 vCPUs

4 GB RAM

20 GB NVMe SSD

Click Create Instance.

Wait ~30 seconds for deployment.

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

Your server is now ready for SSH access.

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Step 1: Connect to Your Instance (SSH)

On macOS or Linux

Open Terminal and run:

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

On Windows

You can use:

• Windows Terminal
• PowerShell
• PuTTY

Example using Windows Terminal / PowerShell:

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

When asked to confirm the fingerprint, type yes.

You are now logged in as root on your AlmaLinux 9 server.

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Step 2: Update Your Server

dnf update

This updates package lists and ensures your system has the latest security patches.

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Step 3: Install Required Tools

dnf install curl git tar

Explanation:

• curl – used to download files
• git – optional version control
• tar – used for extraction operations

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Step 4: Add the Docker Repository

dnf config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Docker uses the CentOS repository for RHEL-based systems like AlmaLinux.

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Step 5: Install Docker Engine + Docker Compose

dnf install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-buildx-plugin docker-compose-plugin

This installs:

• Docker Engine
• Docker CLI
• Container runtime (containerd)
• Buildx plugin
• Docker Compose v2 plugin

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Step 6: Enable Docker at Boot

systemctl enable docker

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Step 7: Start Docker

systemctl start docker
usermod -aG docker $USER

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Step 8: Check Docker Compose Version

docker compose version

Confirms that Docker Compose v2 is installed correctly.

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Step 9: Create the NocoDB Directory

mkdir -p /opt/paperless

This directory will store NocoDB’s Docker configuration and volumes.
(The folder name matches your history exactly.)

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Step 10: Enter the Directory

cd /opt/paperless

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Step 11: Generate a Secure JWT Secret

openssl rand -base64 32

Copy this key. You will use it in the compose file.

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Step 12: Create the Docker Compose File

nano /opt/paperless/docker-compose.yml

Paste the exact configuration from your history:

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:

This file:

• Runs NocoDB using the official image
• Exposes NocoDB on port 8080
• Stores your data persistently in a Docker volume
• Sets your JWT secret
• Ensures NocoDB auto-restarts

Save and exit the editor (CTRL+O, ENTER, CTRL+X).

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Step 13: Start NocoDB

docker compose up -d

Runs NocoDB in the background.

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Step 14: Check Running Containers

docker ps

You should see the nocodb container running.

Verify NocoDB from Your Browser (Before Installing Nginx)

Before setting up Nginx and SSL, you can confirm that NocoDB is running correctly by accessing it directly from the server’s IP address.

Open your browser and enter:

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080

For example:

http://123.456.78.90:8080

If everything started correctly, you should see the NocoDB web interface.
If the page doesn’t load:

• Ensure the container is running: docker ps
• Make sure no firewall is blocking port 8080
• Wait 10–20 seconds after startup, as NocoDB may take a moment to initialize

Once you confirm it works, you can proceed with the reverse proxy and SSL configuration.

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Step 15: Install Nginx

dnf install nginx

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Step 16: Enable Nginx at Boot

systemctl enable nginx

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Step 17: Start Nginx

systemctl start nginx

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Step 18: Create the Nginx Reverse Proxy

nano /etc/nginx/conf.d/paperless.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 forwards web traffic to your NocoDB container.

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Step 19: Test Nginx Configuration

nginx -t

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Step 20: Reload Nginx

systemctl reload nginx

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Step 21: Install Certbot for SSL

dnf install certbot python3-certbot-nginx

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Step 22: Request a Free SSL Certificate

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

Certbot will automatically configure HTTPS inside Nginx.

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Step 23: Reload Nginx After SSL Installation

systemctl reload nginx

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Your NocoDB Installation Is Ready

You can now access NocoDB at:

https://your.domain.com

You have successfully installed NocoDB on AlmaLinux 9 with Docker, Nginx, and SSL.

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For the best performance when deploying applications like NocoDB, Paperless-ngx, Appwrite, HedgeDoc, or Focalboard, Shape.Host offers:

• High-performance NVMe Cloud VPS
• Instant deployment
• Clean OS images
• Excellent uptime
• Scalable and reliable hosting

Visit https://shape.host to launch your next application.