Deploying SeaFile on Ubuntu Server with Docker: A Step-by-Step Guide

SeaFile offers a robust solution for teams needing an effective tool for file synchronization and collaboration. Its user-friendly interface enables seamless sharing of files and folders among team members and external collaborators. This article provides a comprehensive guide on deploying SeaFile using Docker on Ubuntu Server, ensuring you can utilize its features swiftly and efficiently.

Prerequisites for Installing SeaFile

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to note that SeaFile requires a server with sufficient storage space. Ensure your Ubuntu Server has enough capacity to accommodate the files you plan to upload.

Setting Up Docker on Your Ubuntu Server

To deploy SeaFile, you first need Docker installed on your Ubuntu server. If Docker is not yet installed, follow these steps:

1. Install Required Packages
   Open your terminal and execute the following command to install necessary components:

   sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

2. Add Docker’s GPG Key
   Adding the GPG key allows your server to authenticate packages from Docker’s repository:

   curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add -

3. Enable Docker Repository
   Adding Docker’s official repository is crucial for installing the Community Edition (CE):

   sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"

4. Update the Package Index
   Update your package list to include Docker’s repository:

   sudo apt update

5. Install Docker CE
   Finally, install Docker CE with the following command:

   sudo apt install docker-ce

By completing these steps, your Ubuntu Server will be fully prepared to host a SeaFile server container.

Creating the SeaFile Compose File

Using Docker Compose simplifies the deployment of SeaFile. Here’s how to create a docker-compose.yml file:

1. Open Terminal
   Navigate to your terminal.

2. Create the Compose File
   Use the touch command to create the file:

   touch docker-compose.yml

3. Edit the File
   Open the file with a text editor, such as Nano:

   nano docker-compose.yml

4. Insert Configuration Code
   Copy and paste the following configuration into the Nano editor:

   version: '2.0'
   services:
    db:
      image: mariadb:latest
      environment:
        - MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=db_root_password # Change this to a secure password
        - MYSQL_DATABASE=seafile
        - SEAFILE_ADMIN_EMAIL=me@example.com
        - SEAFILE_ADMIN_PASSWORD=a_very_strong_password
      volumes:
        - /mnt/container-storage/seafile/db_data:/var/lib/mysql
   
    memcached:
      image: memcached:1.5.22
   
    seafile:
      image: corpusops/seafileltd-seafile-mc:latest
      environment:
        - DB_HOST=db
        - DB_ROOT_PASSWD=db_root_password # Change this to the same password as above
      depends_on:
        - db
        - memcached
      volumes:
        - /mnt/container-storage/seafile/seafile_data:/shared
      ports:
        - "8000:80"
        - "8082:8082"
   
   volumes:
    db_data:
      external: true
    seafile_data:
      external: true

5. Edit Passwords and Email
   Modify the placeholders in the configuration:

   • Change db_root_password to a strong password of your choice.
   • Update me@example.com to your desired admin email address.
   • Alter a_very_strong_password to secure admin credentials.
6. Save and Exit
   Save your changes with Ctrl + O, and exit Nano using Ctrl + X.

Deploying SeaFile in Docker

With the Docker Compose file ready, you can now deploy SeaFile:

1. Open Terminal
   Ensure you’re in the terminal.

2. Gain Root Access
   Use either su or sudo -s to access root privileges.

3. Run the Deployment Command
   Execute the following command to deploy your SeaFile setup:

   docker compose up -d

As Docker runs your SeaFile containers, monitor the output for any potential errors during deployment. If failures occur, double-check your configuration for any discrepancies.

Accessing SeaFile

Once SeaFile is successfully deployed, you can access it through your web browser using the following URL structure:

http://your-server-ip-or-hostname/

Log in with the email and password you set earlier.

SeaFile Client Applications

SeaFile supports various operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Windows Server, and mobile devices. To explore client apps compatible with your platform, visit the official SeaFile website.

With this guide, you are now set to deploy SeaFile on your Ubuntu Server using Docker, enabling your team to collaborate and share files efficiently.