AsmBB

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, high-speed open-source forum software written in assembly language

Overview

AsmBB is a blazing-fast, lightweight open-source forum platform engineered in assembly language, optimized for minimal resource usage and maximum performance. It features a responsive UI, markdown support for posts, built-in full-text search, user authentication, moderation tools (thread management, bans), and supports SQLite (default) or PostgreSQL. Deployable on Linux (or WSL) via its standalone HTTP server or CGI, it’s ideal for self-hosters seeking an efficient alternative to resource-heavy forums for small to medium communities.

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:
  asmbb:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: asmbb
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Blazing-fast performance (assembly-engineered core)
Minimal resource footprint (great for low-power servers)
Responsive UI with markdown support
Built-in search & moderation tools

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is AsmBB hard to install?

AsmBB has a simple setup process. It runs on Linux (or WSL for Windows) with minimal dependencies—you can use its built-in HTTP server or deploy via CGI with Nginx/Apache. It supports SQLite (no separate DB setup) and PostgreSQL, with clear guides in the GitHub repo.

? Is it a good alternative to XenForo or vBulletin?

Yes—if you prioritize speed and efficiency over extensive add-ons. AsmBB offers core forum features with faster performance but lacks some advanced tools found in XenForo/vBulletin. It’s perfect for small to medium communities.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely. AsmBB is open-source under the MIT License, so you can self-host, modify, or distribute it without any licensing fees.

Top Alternatives

vBulletin Search Google

XenForo Search Google

Invision Power Board Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting
⊕ Zero subscription costs
⊕ Extremely fast load times

Cons

⊖ Limited third-party plugins
⊖ Smaller community support base
⊖ Requires basic server admin knowledge