bin
Self-HostedLightweight self-hosted pastebin for sharing text snippets
Overview
bin is a minimal, fast self-hosted pastebin designed for sharing text snippets effortlessly. It supports syntax highlighting for over 100 programming languages, custom expiration times (from minutes to forever), and anonymous submissions. Deployment is straightforward—use the official Docker image for quick setup, or run the lightweight binary on any server with minimal resources. It has no database dependencies (uses flat files or SQLite), ensuring low overhead and easy maintenance. Perfect for developers needing a private alternative to public pastebins.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
bin:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: bin
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Syntax highlighting for 100+ programming languages
- Custom expiration times for snippets
- No database dependencies (flat files/SQLite)
- Docker & precompiled binary deployment options
- Anonymous snippet submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is bin hard to install?
No—bin is very easy to install. You can use its official Docker image (a single command) or download a precompiled binary for your OS. It has no complex dependencies, so even beginners can set it up quickly.
? Is it a good alternative to Pastebin.com?
Yes—bin is an excellent self-hosted alternative to Pastebin.com. It offers similar core features (syntax highlighting, expiration times) while letting you keep your snippets private and under your control, avoiding public exposure.
? Is bin completely free?
Yes—bin is open-source software released under the MIT License. There are no costs to use, modify, or self-host it; all features are available for free without any restrictions.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about bin
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Minimal resource usage (low CPU/RAM footprint)
- ⊕ Easy to deploy with no complex setup
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (full control over your data)
- ⊕ Supports core pastebin features like syntax highlighting
Cons
- ⊖ Basic user interface (lacks advanced features like collaboration)
- ⊖ Limited customization options compared to larger pastebins
- ⊖ Requires a server or VPS for self-hosting