Chanty
Team chat and collaboration with channels, audio/video calls, and task management
Flarum
Delightfully simple discussion platform for modern communities
Fast, beautiful forum software built with PHP and Mithril. Designed for simplicity with powerful extensibility through a flexible API and rich extension ecosystem.
Overview
Modern Forum Software, Simplified
Flarum is a discussion platform that strips away the complexity of traditional forum software while delivering everything needed to build thriving online communities. Built with PHP for straightforward deployment and powered by the lightweight Mithril JavaScript framework, it offers exceptional performance without bloat or complex dependencies.
Design Philosophy
The platform prioritizes three core principles: speed and simplicity in both deployment and daily use; beautiful, responsive design that works consistently across devices and platforms; and powerful extensibility through a flexible Extension API that allows communities to customize and integrate Flarum to their exact needs.
Who It's For
Flarum serves community managers, website owners, and organizations seeking a modern alternative to legacy forum platforms. Whether launching a support community, discussion board, or member forum, Flarum provides the essential features without overwhelming administrators or users. Its MIT license and extension ecosystem make it adaptable for diverse use cases, from small hobby communities to larger organizational deployments.
Highlights
Lightweight PHP architecture with Mithril-powered interface for fast performance
Responsive, human-centered design that works beautifully out-of-the-box
Powerful Extension API for deep customization and integration
Simple deployment with no complex dependencies or bloat
Pros
- Clean, intuitive interface reduces learning curve for users and administrators
- Lightweight stack ensures fast page loads and minimal server requirements
- Flexible extension system enables tailored functionality without core modifications
- MIT license provides freedom for commercial and private use
Considerations
- Younger platform with smaller ecosystem compared to legacy forum software
- May require custom extensions for highly specialized community needs
- PHP-based stack may not suit teams preferring Node.js or other languages
- Simplicity focus means some advanced features require extensions
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Fit guide
Great for
- Teams wanting modern forum UX without legacy platform complexity
- Communities prioritizing mobile-responsive, fast-loading discussion boards
- Developers comfortable with PHP seeking extensible forum foundation
- Organizations needing straightforward deployment and maintenance
Not ideal when
- Enterprises requiring extensive out-of-the-box enterprise features
- Teams needing real-time chat rather than threaded discussions
- Projects requiring non-PHP technology stack integration
- Communities needing immediate migration from complex legacy platforms
How teams use it
Product Support Community
Deploy a clean, fast forum where customers find answers and engage with support teams without navigating cluttered interfaces
Hobby or Interest Group
Launch a mobile-friendly discussion space with minimal setup, letting members connect across devices seamlessly
Organization Member Forum
Create a private discussion platform that integrates with existing systems via extensions while maintaining simple administration
Open Source Project Discussions
Provide contributors and users a lightweight, self-hosted forum that complements GitHub without vendor lock-in
Tech snapshot
PHP100%
Frequently asked questions
What technology stack does Flarum use?
Flarum is built with PHP on the backend and uses Mithril, a lightweight JavaScript framework, for the frontend interface. This combination ensures fast performance and straightforward deployment.
How does Flarum compare to traditional forum software?
Flarum focuses on simplicity and modern UX, eliminating the clutter and complexity of legacy platforms while providing essential community features and a powerful extension system for customization.
Can I extend Flarum with custom features?
Yes, Flarum includes a flexible Extension API that allows developers to customize, extend, and integrate functionality to match specific community requirements without modifying core code.
Is Flarum suitable for mobile users?
Absolutely. Flarum is designed to be responsive and consistent across platforms out-of-the-box, ensuring a great experience for users on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
What license does Flarum use?
Flarum is released under the MIT license, giving you freedom to use, modify, and distribute it for both personal and commercial projects.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 16,162
- Watchers
- 16,162
- Forks
- 1,675
LicenseMIT
Repo age11 years old
Last commit4 weeks ago
Primary languagePHP
Last synced 12 hours ago