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Oddmuse

A lightweight, file-system based wiki engine built with a single Perl script, prioritizing simplicity and no database overhead.

Quick Info

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Overview

Oddmuse is a unique wiki engine distinguished by its reliance on the local filesystem for all content storage, completely bypassing the need for a database. This design choice makes it incredibly lightweight, easy to set up, and highly portable, as it primarily consists of a single Perl script. It stores page content, revisions, and other data directly as files, simplifying backup procedures and offering a transparent view of your data.

Since its inception in 2003, Oddmuse has maintained a focus on stability and simplicity. It supports extensions, CSS themes, and offers a multi-language interface, allowing for customization and broader applicability. Its open-source nature under the GNU GPL means users have the freedom to inspect, modify, and distribute the software, fostering a small but dedicated community of developers and users. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value control over their data, minimal infrastructure, and a straightforward approach to wiki management.

Best For

Personal knowledge base or note-taking system
Small team collaboration and documentation
Internal project documentation for developers
Simple website content management where a database is overkill
Educational resources or course material sharing
Building a lightweight, self-hosted wiki for specific topics

Key Features

Filesystem-based storage for pages and versions
Single Perl script implementation
No database required
Openly released under GNU General Public License (GPL)
Supports extensions and CSS themes
Cross-platform compatibility
Version tracking for page content
Multi-language interface support

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight with minimal dependencies (only Perl)
  • No database setup or maintenance required, simplifying deployment
  • Content stored as plain files, making backups and migrations straightforward
  • Open-source and free software, offering transparency and community support
  • Highly portable due to its single-script nature
  • Long-standing project with a history of stability since 2003

Cons

  • Requires knowledge of Perl for advanced customization or troubleshooting
  • May not scale as efficiently as database-backed wikis for very large installations with high traffic
  • User interface might appear dated compared to modern wiki platforms
  • Community size is relatively small, potentially limiting immediate support resources
  • Feature set is more basic compared to comprehensive enterprise-grade wikis
  • Reliance on filesystem for storage might be less performant for complex queries or large content indexing

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