Step-by-Step Guide to Installing OpenProject on Ubuntu 22.04

OpenProject is a robust, open-source project management tool developed using Ruby on Rails and AngularJS. Its user-friendly web interface offers comprehensive features to facilitate project management throughout their life cycle. OpenProject comes in three editions: Community, Cloud, and Enterprise. While the Community edition is free, the Enterprise edition provides premium features and professional support.

This guide walks you through the installation process of OpenProject on Ubuntu 22.04.

Prerequisites

Ubuntu 22.04 server
Root user access

Install Required Dependencies

Begin by installing some necessary dependencies:

apt-get install gnupg2 wget apt-transport-https -y

Next, add the repository for libssl1.1 since it’s not available in the default Ubuntu repository:

echo "deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu impish-security main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/impish-security.list

Update the APT repository and install libssl1.1:

apt-get update -y
apt-get install libssl1.1 -y

Install and Configure PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL serves as the database backend for OpenProject. Install it with:

apt install postgresql -y

Start and check the status of the PostgreSQL service:

systemctl start postgresql

systemctl status postgresql

Log into PostgreSQL and secure it with a password:

su - postgres
psql

ALTER USER postgres PASSWORD 'password';
create database openproject

Edit the PostgreSQL configuration to use MD5 authentication:

nano /etc/postgresql/14/main/pg_hba.conf

# Database administrative login by Unix domain socket
local   all             postgres                                md5
# TYPE  DATABASE        USER            ADDRESS                 METHOD
# "local" is for Unix domain socket connections only
local   all             all                                     md5
# IPv4 local connections:
host    all             all             127.0.0.1/32            md5
# IPv6 local connections:
host    all             all             ::1/128                 md5

Restart the PostgreSQL service:

systemctl restart postgresql

Install OpenProject

Add the OpenProject repository and install it:

wget -qO- https://dl.packager.io/srv/opf/openproject/key | apt-key add -
wget -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/openproject.list https://dl.packager.io/srv/opf/openproject/stable/12/installer/ubuntu/20.04.repo

apt-get update -y
apt-get install openproject -y

Follow the installation instructions displayed:

The openproject package provides an installer. Please run the following command to finish the installation:
    sudo openproject configure

Configure OpenProject

Execute the OpenProject configuration script:

openproject configure

Follow these visual guides for configuration:

After configuration, verify the services:

systemctl status apache2

systemctl status openproject-web-1.service

Access OpenProject Web Interface

To access OpenProject, navigate to http://openproject.example.com/login in your web browser:

Conclusion

You have successfully set up OpenProject on Ubuntu 22.04. Start managing your projects efficiently with this powerful tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the editions of OpenProject?
OpenProject comes in Community, Cloud, and Enterprise editions. Community is free, while the Enterprise provides additional features and support.
Which database does OpenProject use?
OpenProject uses PostgreSQL as a database backend.
How can I secure my OpenProject setup?
Ensure you set strong passwords, use SSL if possible, and regularly update the software and dependencies.
Can I install OpenProject on a different Linux distribution?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the repository and installation steps according to your specific Linux distribution.