Answer

Self-Hosted

Open-source Q&A platform for teams and communities

Overview

Answer is an open-source, self-hosted Q&A platform designed to foster collaborative knowledge sharing. It supports core features like question voting, tagging, markdown editing, user role management, and real-time notifications. Deployment is straightforward via Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or pre-built binaries, with integration options for OAuth and custom branding. Ideal for internal team knowledge bases or public community forums, it includes moderation tools, advanced search, and customizable workflows to suit diverse use cases.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  answer:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: answer
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Q&A content management with voting and tagging
User role management and moderation tools
Easy deployment via Docker/Kubernetes or binary

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Answer hard to install?

No—Answer offers simple deployment via Docker Compose (the most popular method) with official step-by-step guides. It also supports Kubernetes or pre-built binaries, making it accessible for users with basic server knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Stack Overflow?

Yes—Answer provides core Q&A features like voting, tagging, and moderation tools similar to Stack Overflow. It’s an excellent choice for teams or communities wanting a self-hosted, private alternative without relying on SaaS platforms.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Answer is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, so it’s 100% free to use, modify, and self-host. There are no subscription fees or paid tiers for core functionality.

Top Alternatives

Stack Overflow Search Google

Quora Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted control over data)
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Highly customizable for branding and workflows

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills for setup
⊖ Limited third-party integrations compared to SaaS Q&A platforms