Livebook
Self-HostedOpen-source interactive Elixir notebook with real-time collaboration
Overview
Livebook is an open-source interactive notebook tool for Elixir developers, enabling creation of executable documents with code cells, markdown, and data visualizations. It supports real-time multi-user collaboration and integrates seamlessly with the Elixir ecosystem. Deployable via Docker, precompiled binary, or cloud platforms, it offers persistent storage (local files, S3-compatible services) and reproducible workflows ideal for prototyping, data analysis, and teaching Elixir concepts.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
livebook:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: livebook
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Interactive Elixir code cells with real-time execution
- Real-time multi-user collaboration on notebooks
- Built-in data visualization and markdown support
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Livebook hard to install?
Livebook is easy to install via Docker (simplest self-host method: pull the image and run a container). It also offers precompiled binaries or cloud deployment. Official docs provide step-by-step guides for all options, making setup accessible for users with basic technical skills.
? Is it a good alternative to Google Colab for Elixir developers?
Yes—Livebook is tailored for Elixir, with native ecosystem integration (Phoenix, Ecto) that Colab lacks. It’s self-hosted, so you retain full data control, unlike Colab’s proprietary cloud environment. It’s ideal for Elixir-specific prototyping and collaboration.
? Is Livebook completely free?
Yes—Livebook is open-source under the MIT license, meaning it’s 100% free to use, modify, and self-host without any hidden costs or subscription requirements.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted deployment options
- ⊕ No subscription fees (MIT open-source license)
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic Elixir knowledge for full utilization
- ⊖ Technical setup for self-hosting (Docker/binary)