Fossil
Self-HostedDistributed version control with built-in project management tools
Overview
Fossil is a self-contained distributed version control system (DVCS) that integrates bug tracking, wiki, forum, ticket management, and documentation into one binary. It requires no external dependencies, making deployment trivial—just download the executable and run. Ideal for solo devs or small teams, it supports distributed workflows with branching/merging and includes a built-in web interface for managing all project aspects. Fossil gives full control over your code and data without relying on third-party services, offering a lightweight, unified toolchain for end-to-end project management.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
fossil:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: fossil
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Unified toolchain (DVCS + issues + wiki + forum)
- Single binary deployment (no dependencies)
- Built-in web interface for project management
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Fossil hard to install?
No—Fossil is distributed as a single, self-contained executable with no external dependencies. You can download the binary for your OS, add it to your PATH, and start using it immediately. Deploying a self-hosted instance only requires running a simple command to serve your repository over HTTP.
? Is it a good alternative to GitHub?
Yes—Fossil provides a unified, self-hosted alternative to GitHub's split tools (Git + issues + wiki + discussions). It gives full control over your data without third-party reliance, though it lacks GitHub's large ecosystem and social features. It’s ideal for teams wanting a lightweight, all-in-one solution.
? Is it completely free?
Absolutely—Fossil is open source under the BSD license. It is free to use, modify, and distribute for personal or commercial projects with no hidden costs or subscriptions.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Fossil
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted solution
- ⊕ No subscription fees (open source)
- ⊕ Minimal setup with zero external dependencies
Cons
- ⊖ Smaller community compared to Git-based tools
- ⊖ Limited third-party integration options
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for users new to all-in-one tools