Apache JSPWiki

What Apache JSPWiki is

Apache JSPWiki is a free, open-source wiki engine built with Java and JSP for Linux, web, and self-hosted use. It lets teams create pages with JSPWiki syntax or Markdown, and administrators can add other syntax implementations. Pages use plain text files by default; selectable storage and search providers offer other configuration choices. Teams can attach files, use templates to customize themes or layouts, leave page comments, run multiple wikis, and lock pages to avoid editing conflicts. Access controls include wiki-wide and page-level privileges, user and group controls, and several authentication options: XML, database, container-managed, or custom. Plugin and page-filter interfaces support extensions and page processing. JSPWiki can be deployed as a WAR on a servlet container, run in Docker, or launched through portable binaries. Installation requires JDK 11 or newer and a JSP engine supporting Servlet API 3.1; Tomcat 9 or later is recommended. Administrators can connect databases, mail servers, or external identity stores such as LDAP, Active Directory, and Keycloak. The project offers source and binary distributions, release checksums and signatures, and support through its user mailing list, issue tracker, and developer list.

Who it suits

JSPWiki suits teams that want to host and administer their own wiki, with control over page permissions, authentication, storage, and search. It is also a fit for teams that need Markdown or JSPWiki syntax, file attachments, and extension points.

Limits

There is no built-in limit on the total number or size of attachments, so disk usage needs monitoring.

Getting started

1. Open the JSPWiki website and review the source or binary distributions.
2. Install JDK 11 or higher and a JSP engine supporting Servlet API 3.1; Tomcat 9 or later is recommended.
3. Deploy the WAR to a servlet container, run JSPWiki in Docker, or use portable binaries.
4. Configure storage, search, authentication, and access controls for your wiki.
5. Review the security guidance, including TLS, configuration, updates, access, and uploads.

Verdict

Choose Apache JSPWiki if you need a free wiki engine you can self-host and configure, including access controls and extension interfaces. It may be a poor fit if you need built-in limits on attachment storage or do not want to manage its Java and servlet environment.