Snap is a package management system for Linux that offers preconfigured software packages. The combination of Snap and Nextcloud is ideal for those looking for easy installation without significant administrative effort. However, for complex configurations involving multiple customisations, Nextcloud Snap may not be the ideal solution.

What is Snap?

Snap is a software distribution and package management system designed for Linux. Originally developed for Ubuntu, it is now also available for other distributions such as Debian and Fedora. Snap provides software in preconfigured packages known as ‘Snaps’, which include all the necessary dependencies, eliminating the need for manual server configuration.

Is combining Nextcloud and Snap worth it?

Whether installing Nextcloud using Snap is worthwhile largely depends on your specific needs and technical expertise. Since Snap includes all dependencies in a preconfigured package, manual configuration and adjustment for different Linux distributions are not required. Therefore, this method is particularly suitable for beginners or those looking to deploy Nextcloud quickly and easily.

However, if you require custom configurations or adjustments to specific components, a manual installation might be more appropriate. This will then allow you to configure specific PHP settings or select a preferred database system. Organisations with high scalability demands or specific security requirements will also benefit more from a manual installation.

Tip

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of installing Nextcloud using Snap?

Installing Nextcloud using Snap has both advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed individually. This installation method offers convenience and automated updates but comes with limitations in terms of flexibility.

Advantages of Nextcloud Snap installation

  • Quick and simple installation: Snap provides a pre-configured package that makes setting up Nextcloud particularly easy.

  • Automatic updates: Security and software updates are applied automatically, so your cloud is always up to date.

  • Compatible with various distributions: Snap runs on numerous Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux.

  • High stability: The package manager ensures an isolated environment that minimises potential conflicts with other applications.

Disadvantages of Nextcloud Snap installation

  • Limited flexibility: Snap uses fixed configurations like Apache, MySQL, and certain PHP versions, which cannot be swapped out or customised individually.

  • Performance drawbacks: Compared to a manually optimised installation, performance may be be slightly lower since Snap runs in an isolated environment, making adjustments to PHP or database performance difficult.

  • Dependence on Canonical: Snap was developed by Canonical and many developers criticise the company’s control over the Snap Store, which some argue contradicts Linux’s open-source ethos.

Tip

For cross-device access to your Nextcloud files, the HTTP extension WebDAV is recommended: With Nextcloud-WebDAV, you can edit files directly on your server without having to use the web interface.

How to install and manage Nextcloud using Snap

Before you can install Nextcloud using Snap, you need to meet a few basic requirements. First, set up an Ubuntu server, create an A-Record for the subdomain, and make sure you have admin rights (sudo) to access the server console.

Below, we explain how to install and manage Nextcloud using Snap step by step. The example provided sets up Nextcloud on Ubuntu 22.04, but you can also use other supported Linux operating systems as well.

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Step 1: Install Snap

Snap is already pre-installed on most Ubuntu servers. If not, you can install it using the following command:

sudo apt install snapd
bash

Step 2: Install Nextcloud

Install Nextcloud by running the following command:

sudo snap install nextcloud
bash

Step 3: Add Trusted Domains

Next, add Trusted Domains in Nextcloud to allow access to the server. To add the server’s IP address and a subdomain, enter the following commands in the server console:

sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:set trusted_domains 0 --value=<IP-address>
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:set trusted_domains 1 --value=<cloud.your.domain>
bash

To check whether the entries have been created, use this command:

sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:get trusted_domains 0
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:get trusted_domains 1
bash

Step 4: Add Let’s Encrypt

To enable HTTPS on your Nextcloud server, you need to install an SSL script like Let’s Encrypt. Use the following command:

sudo nextcloud.enable-https lets-encrypt
bash

The output will prompt you to accept the SSL certificate requests by entering the letter “Y” (for Yes). Then, provide your email address and domain name.

Step 5: Create a Nextcloud account

Go to your Nextcloud server’s webpage using a web browser. You will be prompted to create an account with administrative rights. Once created, you can log in and access the Nextcloud dashboard.

Step 6: Manage Nextcloud using Snap

Finally, here are some commands that will help you manage Nextcloud using Snap:

  • Increase memory limit: sudo snap set nextcloud php.memory-limit=512M

  • Update Nextcloud (if an update is available): sudo snap refresh nextcloud

  • Restart server: sudo snap restart nextcloud

  • Restore a previous version: sudo snap revert nextcloud

  • Check the status of the Nextcloud instance: sudo snap services nextcloud

  • Uninstall Nextcloud: sudo snap remove nextcloud

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