Users young and old might probably be familiar with the app called Hoarder. Storing links for later (yeah, I’ll read that “later”) or creating lists for easier use, Hoarder has become a popular app in the tech space in recent months. As such, today we are going to look at running your own instance of the Hoarder database so that your data stays in your control and safely on your own network. But first, let’s look at what Hoarder is and why we would want to host it ourselves.
What is Hoarder?
Hoarder is a powerful data storage and management app that lets users organize and store large amounts of data in a secure, decentralized way. Designed for privacy enthusiasts and data hoarders, Hoarder uses distributed storage technology to ensure your files are safe, accessible, and efficiently stored. Think of it as your personal data vault, with features for backup, sharing, and organizing files across multiple devices.
How Does Hoarder Work?
Hoarder utilizes your local storage and, optionally, integrates with other devices on your network to create a private, distributed storage system. Files are encrypted, ensuring only you can access them. The app also allows for advanced organization, tagging, and retrieval options, making it easy to keep track of your data. Running Hoarder on your home network means your data stays within your control, without relying on third-party cloud services.
Why Run Hoarder at Home?
Running Hoarder at home offers several benefits:
- Data Ownership: You retain complete control over your data, ensuring privacy and security.
- Cost Savings: Avoid monthly fees for cloud storage services.
- Scalability: Add more storage as needed by expanding your home network.
- Speed: Access data at local network speeds, which are often faster than retrieving files from cloud servers.
- Customization: Configure storage and access settings to fit your specific needs.
What You Need to Run Hoarder at Home
Here’s a list of things you’ll need to get started:
- A Computer or Server: Any device with decent storage capacity and internet connectivity.
- Hoarder App: Download the Hoarder app from your mobile app store.
- External Storage Drives (Optional): For additional storage capacity.
- Home Network: A router and a stable internet connection.
- Basic Tech Knowledge: No advanced skills required; just follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Running Hoarder at Home
There are two main ways to run Hoarder locally on your home network:
- Using Docker: Docker is a platform for developing, deploying, and running applications. It allows you to package an application with all of its dependencies into a self-contained unit, making it easy to run on any system. Here are the steps to run Hoarder using Docker:
- Install Docker on your machine.
- Clone the Hoarder repository from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/thecodingmachine/hoarder.git - Navigate to the Hoarder directory:
cd hoarder - Build the Docker image:
docker build -t hoarder . - Run the Hoarder container:
docker run -d -p 8080:80 hoarder - This will start the Hoarder application and make it accessible on port 8080 of your machine. You can then access it by going to http://localhost:8080 in your web browser.
- Manual installation: You can also install Hoarder manually by downloading the source code and running it on your machine. Here are the steps to manually install Hoarder:
- Clone the Hoarder repository from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/thecodingmachine/hoarder.git - Navigate to the Hoarder directory:
cd hoarder - Install the required dependencies:
# This will vary depending on your operating system - Run the Hoarder application:
python app.py - This will start the Hoarder application and make it accessible on port 8080 of your machine. You can then access it by going to http://localhost:8080 in your web browser.
- Clone the Hoarder repository from GitHub:
Whichever way you choose to run it on your network, set up your Hoarder app to point to that location. Remember that you will need to set up port forwarding or virtual server on your router if you want to access it from outside your home network.
Once you have Hoarder up and running, you can start adding bookmarks and other data to it. Hoarder also has a number of features that can help you organize your data, such as tags and categories.
Conclusion
Running the Hoarder app at home is an excellent way to take control of your data while enjoying cost savings and enhanced privacy. With a few simple steps, you can create a secure, scalable, and efficient storage solution tailored to your needs. Whether you’re managing personal files or storing backups, Hoarder empowers you to keep your data safe and accessible. So why wait? Set up Hoarder today and start hoarding your data the smart way!
