DokuWiki

What DokuWiki is

DokuWiki is free, open-source wiki software for creating documentation. It is aimed at developer teams, workgroups, and small companies, and can be run on a self-hosted server. Content is kept in plain text files rather than a database, while its formatting approach is intended to make structured text easier to write and keep the underlying files readable outside the wiki.

The software includes access controls and authentication connectors, and community-contributed plugins can extend it beyond conventional wiki work. The engine is licensed under GNU General Public License Version 2. Installing it requires a server with PHP enabled; the project’s Composer configuration requires PHP 8.2 or later. The installer checks PHP compatibility and whether required directories are writable, and offers options for enabling access control lists and setting up a superuser. Plugin authors can use the DokuWiki Plugin Wizard to create a downloadable plugin skeleton, with options for localization, configuration, and unit tests. The project provides an official Docker image and links to a security policy. DokuWiki includes version history and has no free-trial period because the software is free to use.

Who it suits

DokuWiki is suited to developer teams, workgroups, and small companies that need a documentation wiki they can host themselves. Its plain-text storage and plugin ecosystem may also suit groups that value readable files and ways to extend a traditional wiki.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.dokuwiki.org/.
2. Prepare a server with PHP enabled; the Composer configuration requires PHP 8.2 or later.
3. Install DokuWiki and let its installer check PHP and directory permissions.
4. Use the installer to enable access control lists and configure a superuser if needed.
5. Add community plugins for use cases beyond a traditional wiki.

Verdict

Choose DokuWiki if you want a free, self-hosted documentation wiki that stores content in plain text without a database. Consider another option if you cannot provide a PHP-enabled server or prefer not to manage hosting.