The Ultimate Flat-File Wiki.
No database. No Node.js. No build tools.
PureWiki is a lightning-fast, lightweight, and extensible documentation platform.
100% Free and Open Source (AGPLv3).
Features
Simplicity and performance at its core.
Flat-File Architecture
Everything is stored in plain JSON files. No databases to configure, maintain, or backup. Simply copy the folder to move your wiki.
WYSIWYG Block Editor
Block-based editor for structured content with Markdown, tables, grids, and accordions.
Universal Hosting
Designed to run on standard PHP 8.1+ web hosting. No complex dependencies or special server permissions required.
Performance First
Built-in caching delivers minimal load times while keeping server resource consumption exceptionally low.
Integrated Media Manager
Manage your images directly with automatic WebP conversion and basic cropping tools.
One-Click Updates
Keep your installation up to date with updates fetched directly from GitHub via the admin dashboard.
Native SEO Suite
Built-in meta tags, canonical URLs, and structured data ensure high visibility in search engines.
Dynamic Snippets
Create content once as a snippet and use it globally. A single update immediately syncs across all linked pages.
Powerful Extension System
Build and install custom extensions to add new features without ever modifying core code.
Internationalization (i18n)
Create pages in multiple languages and allow users to switch between them seamlessly.
Revision History & Visual Diff
Compare previous revisions visually against the current page and restore earlier versions whenever needed.
Native Comment System
Allow readers to leave comments directly on wiki pages, managed with built-in moderation and spam filtering in the dashboard.
Optimized Out of the Box
Top-tier Google PageSpeed Insights scores from day one. Lightweight code delivers fast load times and accessibility.
Why PureWiki?
Here is the comparison: architecture, operations, and flexibility at a glance.
| Criteria | PureWiki Flat-File File-based, PHP 8.1+ | Classic Wikis e.g. MediaWiki, BookStack | Cloud & SaaS Tools e.g. Confluence, Notion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database | None required Structured JSON files directly on disk |
MySQL / MariaDB / PostgreSQL required | Proprietary cloud database |
| Installation & Setup | Upload & ready Runs on any standard PHP 8.1+ web host |
Docker, DB migrations, PHP modules, or root privileges | No self-hosting, mandatory account & subscription |
| Backups & Portability | Folder copy or Git 100% plain text, portable files |
SQL dumps and uploads must be synced together | Restricted export formats, vendor lock-in risk |
| Resource Usage | Minimal (< 30 MB RAM) Fast performance even on entry-level hosting |
Moderate to high (background workers, 1-2 GB+ RAM) | Heavy client footprint (resource-heavy web apps / Electron) |
| License & Cost | 100% Open Source (AGPLv3) Permanently free & self-hosted |
Mostly open source, but higher server & upkeep costs | Recurring monthly subscription per user (SaaS model) |
The PureWiki Approach
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Straightforward Setup
Deploy in seconds. Simply upload to a standard PHP 8.1+ host and start writing. Zero database configuration and no complex terminal commands required. -
100% Open Source
Licensed under AGPLv3. Free forever, self-hosted, with zero vendor lock-in. You own your data. -
Minimalist Interface
Semantic, accessible markup built without heavy frontend frameworks or unnecessary dependencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs are to be expected?
What is the advantage of a flat-file wiki?
git push. PureWiki uses minimal server resources (< 30 MB RAM) and serves pages instantly.
Where can I find help or submit ideas?
Who is behind PureWiki?
Get Started with PureWiki
Simple, file-based knowledge management without the bloat.
Getting Started Try Online-Demo