
Tired of handing over your precious knowledge to big tech? Reclaim control with a self-hosted wiki! DokuWiki and Wiki.js offer freedom and flexibility, but which reigns supreme for your digital kingdom? DokuWiki: the minimalist marvel, praised for its effortless setup and user-friendly simplicity. Or Wiki.js: a sleek, modern powerhouse brimming with collaborative features. This guide dives deep, pitting these open-source titans against each other, ensuring you choose the wiki that perfectly reflects your needs and ambitions.
DokuWiki is Ideal For Small Teams and Personal Projects
DokuWiki: Unleash the Power of Simple Wiki Creation.
DokuWiki offers a refreshingly simple take on wiki software. Forget clunky databases and demanding server requirements. Built with PHP and storing data in plain text files, DokuWiki transforms any humble server into a collaborative powerhouse. Ideal for nimble teams and passionate solo projects, DokuWiki’s ease of installation and minimal footprint gets you up and running in minutes, letting you focus on what truly matters: building and sharing knowledge.

Tired of wiki chaos? DokuWiki’s got your back. Its built-in version control is like a time machine for your content – track every edit, compare changes side-by-side, and kiss conflicts goodbye. Need granular control? Lock down access at the page or even section level. And for the big leagues, it plays nice with LDAP and Active Directory, making it a fortress of collaborative power.
While DokuWiki boasts a vast library of plugins for tailor-made customization, tread carefully – some relics might not play nicely with the newest updates. Stepping into its interface is like visiting a website from a bygone era, and forget real-time teamwork; it’s a one-editor-at-a-time affair. Yes, you can tag and set privacy, but these features feel like faint echoes compared to the robust offerings of today’s platforms.
Wiki.js Allows Multiple Users to Collaborate Simultaneously
Imagine a wiki that’s sleek, collaborative, and works beautifully on any device. That’s Wiki.js. Forget clunky interfaces this open-source platform boasts a modern design and real-time Markdown editing. Collaborate seamlessly, just like you would in Google Docs, and build your knowledge base together, instantly.

Unlock a world of seamless collaboration! Wiki.js isn’t just a wiki; it’s your central knowledge hub, effortlessly connecting with Google, GitHub, LDAP, Discord, and more for secure and unified access. Forget manual backups! Integrated Git support provides automatic version control, ensuring your content is always safe and easily restorable. Dive into a rich editing experience with built-in search, media management, and stunning image previews – no more hunting for extra plugins. Wiki.js empowers you to build, share, and manage knowledge like never before.
Wiki.js, while powerful, demands a SQL database and Node.js – a pairing that can transform setup from a simple task into a tech hurdle. Forget breezy deployment on basic hosting; this wiki craves robust resources. Plus, navigating its interface can sometimes feel like wandering a digital maze.
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Security Comparison
DokuWiki: Fort Knox for Your Collaboration.
DokuWiki locks down your shared knowledge with built-in authentication and fortress-like LDAP/Active Directory plugin support. Granular Access Control Lists (ACLs) empower you to build secure, multi-user kingdoms. But even the strongest castle needs upkeep: regular PHP and plugin updates are your watchtowers, HTTPS is your impenetrable gate, and proper file permissions, the secret tunnels only you control. Keep vigilant, and your wiki’s knowledge remains safe and sound.
Fortify your knowledge base with Wiki.js’s fortress-level security! Go beyond basic protection with robust 2FA, seamless OAuth, and enterprise-grade SAML integration. Connect effortlessly with Google and GitHub for streamlined access control. Unleash granular control with its refined RBAC system, meticulously defining user roles and permissions. Defend against threats by keeping Node.js and your database battle-ready with the latest updates. Conceal your secrets using the cloak of environment variables. Activate Git-based versioning – your fail-safe for data recovery and peace of mind.
Cost Considerations While Choosing a Self-hosted Wiki
DokuWiki: The budget-friendly powerhouse. Skip the database drama – it thrives on shared hosting or a lean VPS, making it the perfect pick for cost-conscious creators.
Unleash the full potential of Wiki.js, but brace yourself: it’s hungry for resources. You’ll need a Node.js environment and a SQL database as your foundation. Think Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a cloud server – your standard shared hosting probably won’t cut it. Factor in extra costs if you’re diving into Docker containers or opting for the convenience of managed cloud databases. Choose wisely, and your Wiki.js will thrive!
Which Wiki Is Right for You?
Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of DokuWiki and Wiki.js that highlights their core features, strengths, and ideal use cases:
Feature | DokuWiki | Wiki.js |
---|---|---|
Technology Stack | PHP-based, stores data in plain text, no database required | Node.js-based, requires a SQL database (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL). |
Ease of Setup | Easy to install on any PHP-supported server. | Requires Node.js and a database, but Docker and guides simplify setup. |
Editing Experience | It uses its own wiki markup syntax. A visual editor is available through plugins. | Supports Markdown, WYSIWYG, live preview, and HTML |
Authentication | Includes a basic user manager and supports LDAP or Active Directory through plugins. | Built-in support for Google, GitHub, LDAP, SAML, OAuth, and 2FA. |
Access Control (ACL) | It allows page/section-based permissions using ACL. | It provides detailed access control with roles, groups, and permissions for fine-grained control. |
Search Functionality | It has a built-in full-text search engine. | Wiki.js includes full-text search with external integrations like Elasticsearch, Algolia |
Plugins / Extensions | It offers over 1,000 plugins that allow you to add features like SEO tools, diagrams, and export options. | It has a modular system with built-in tools; fewer plugins than DokuWiki. |
User Interface | Simple and functional; themes are available, but may look outdated. | Modern, responsive UI with dark/light mode and mobile support. |
Backup & Portability | Easy file-based backup by copying folders. | Supports Git sync, database backups, and external storage (e.g., S3, Dropbox). |
Performance | Lightweight and runs well on low-resource servers. | Needs more resources; better suited for dedicated or cloud servers. |
Best Use Case | Suitable for personal wikis, schools, and small teams. | Ideal for modern teams needing real-time editing and integrations. |
DokuWiki shines when simplicity reigns supreme. Forget databases and complex configurations – it’s a breeze to install and keep running. Think personal knowledge base, internal team docs, or projects humming along on minimal resources. DokuWiki delivers streamlined wiki power without the fuss.
But if you’re a modern team craving real-time collaboration, deep integration, and laser-precise access control, Wiki.js steps into the spotlight. Yes, it demands more setup muscle and server resources. However, the payoff is a polished interface and the kind of power that scales beautifully with ambitious and enterprise-grade projects.
Thanks for reading DokuWiki vs Wikijs: Which Self-Hosted Wiki Is Right for You?