Sourcehut
Self-HostedA modular, self-hosted software development and project management platform
Overview
Sourcehut is a modular, self-hosted project management and development platform for software teams. It offers independent components like git hosting, issue tracking, continuous integration (CI), mailing lists, and build artifacts management—deployable individually or as a full stack. Built with open standards (email, git) and privacy in mind, it avoids vendor lock-in and telemetry. Deployment options include Docker containers, pre-built packages, or source compilation. It integrates with existing tools and prioritizes user control over data, making it ideal for teams seeking flexibility and autonomy.
Key Features
- Modular component-based architecture (git hosting, CI, issue tracking, mailing lists)
- Flexible self-hosting (Docker, pre-built packages, source compilation)
- Open standards compliance (email, git, HTTP for collaboration)
- Privacy-focused (no telemetry, full user data control)
- Cross-platform CI/CD pipelines with artifact management
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Sourcehut hard to install?
Sourcehut's installation depends on the components you choose. Docker containers simplify setup for beginners, while advanced users can use pre-built packages or compile from source. Documentation provides step-by-step guides for common deployments, though some modular parts may require technical troubleshooting.
? Is Sourcehut a good alternative to GitHub?
Yes, for teams prioritizing privacy, control, and open standards. Unlike GitHub, Sourcehut is fully self-hosted (no lock-in) and uses email for collaboration (avoiding proprietary APIs). However, it lacks GitHub's extensive integrations and user-friendly UI, so it’s better suited for technically inclined teams.
? Is Sourcehut completely free?
Sourcehut is open source (AGPLv3 license) and free to self-host—you only pay for your server infrastructure. There’s also a hosted SaaS version with paid tiers for additional resources, but the self-hosted version has no cost.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no telemetry, full control over data)
- ⊕ Modular design (deploy only necessary components)
- ⊕ No vendor lock-in (open standards, self-hosted)
- ⊕ Cross-platform CI/CD support for diverse projects
Cons
- ⊖ Requires technical expertise for self-hosting setup
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for teams used to mainstream platforms like GitHub
- ⊖ Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to competitors