Snap is a package management system for Linux that provides preconfigured software packages. The combination of Snap and Nextcloud is particularly recommended for those who want a simple installation, without heavy administrative tasks. However, for complex setups with many customizations, installing Nextcloud via Snap is less suitable.
What is Snap?
Snap is a software distribution and package management system for Linuxoriginally developed for Ubuntu, now also available for other distributions such as Debian or Fedora. Snap provides software in preconfigured packages. These software packages, also called snapsalready contain all the necessary dependencies, which eliminates the need to manually install the dependencies on the server.
Combining Snap and Nextcloud: does it make sense?
The benefit of installing Nextcloud with Snap depends on your technical needs and knowledge. As Snap contains all dependencies in a pre-configured package, there is no need to manually configure Nextcloud, nor to adapt the installation to the Linux distribution used. In fact, this method is particularly suitable for beginners and people who want to get Nextcloud up and running quickly and easily.
On the other hand, if you want to make individual configurations or adapt certain components, manual installation makes more sense. This way you can, for example, set specific PHP settings or freely choose the database system. Businesses with strong scalability requirements or specific security concepts will benefit more from a manual installation.
Advice
Managed Nextcloud from IONOS is a powerful, secure and sustainable Cloud solution that allows you to not have to worry about the administration of your server infrastructure. Whether it's installation, maintenance and updates, everything is taken care of! You nevertheless retain full control of your data, which is stored in modern data centers in Germany.
Nextcloud via Snap: the advantages and disadvantages
Installing Nextcloud via Snap has both advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated individually. Indeed, while this installation method is practical and makes it possible to automate updates, it has limits in terms of flexibility.
Benefits of installing Nextcloud via Snap
- Quick and easy installation : Snap offers a preconfigured package that makes installing Nextcloud particularly easy.
- Automatic updates : Security and software updates are performed automatically, allowing the Cloud to always be up to date.
- Designed for a wide variety of distributions : Snap works on many Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux.
- High stability : The package manager provides an isolated environment that minimizes potential conflicts with other applications.
Disadvantages of installing Nextcloud via Snap
- Limited flexibility : Snap uses fixed standards such as Apache, MySQL and some versions of PHP which cannot be replaced or customized.
- Performance degradation : Performance may be slightly lower than an optimized manual installation. Indeed, Snap operates in an isolated environment where it is almost impossible to fine-tune PHP or the database.
- Addiction to Canonical : The Snap package management system was developed by Canonical. Many developers criticize the fact that the company controls the Snap Store, through which snaps are delivered, which goes against the open source spirit of Linux.
Advice
To access your Nextcloud files on all devices, it is recommended to use the WebDAV HTTP extension. With Nextcloud WebDAV, you can edit your files directly on the server, without going through the web interface.
There are a few prerequisites for installing Nextcloud via the Snap package manager. You must set up an Ubuntu server, create an A record for the subdomain and be able to access the server console with administrative rights (allowing the use of the command sudo).
Find out how to install and manage Nextcloud via Snap below. In this case, we have configured Nextcloud under Ubuntu 22.04, but it is also possible to use one of the other supported Linux operating systems.
Managed Nextcloud
Cloud storage that puts you in control
- Effectively protect your data with industry-leading security
- Save time on updates and maintenance
- Easily add apps and collaboration tools
Step 1: Install Snap
Snap is already preinstalled on most Ubuntu servers. If not, use the following command to install it:
sudo apt install snapdbash
Step 2: Install Nextcloud
To install Nextcloud, use the following command:
sudo snap install nextcloudbash
Step 3: add trusted domains
Next, add trusted domains in Nextcloud to be able to access the server. To add the server IP and a subdomain, enter the following command in the server console:
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:set trusted_domains 0 --value=
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:set trusted_domains 1 --value= bash
To verify that the entries were created successfully, use this command:
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:get trusted_domains 0
sudo snap run nextcloud.occ config:system:get trusted_domains 1bash
Step 4: Add Let's Encrypt
To ensure better security on your Nextcloud server with HTTPS, it is necessary to install an SSL script such as Let's Encrypt. You can use the following command:
sudo nextcloud.enable-https lets-encryptbash
The output shows you the SSL certificate requirements, which you accept by pressing “Y” (Yes). Next, provide your email and domain name.
Step 5: Create a Nextcloud account
Navigate via web browser to your Nextcloud server URL, where you will be prompted to create an account with administrative rights. You will then be able to log in and access the Nextcloud dashboard.
Step 6: Manage Nextcloud via Snap
We've put together some useful commands for managing Nextcloud with Snap:
- Increase memory limit :
sudo snap set nextcloud php.memory-limit=512M. - Update Nextcloud (if an update is available):
sudo snap refresh nextcloud. - Restart the server :
sudo snap restart nextcloud. - Restore a previous version :
sudo snap revert nextcloud. - Check Nextcloud instance status :
sudo snap services nextcloud. - Uninstall Nextcloud :
sudo snap remove nextcloud.
Virtual servers (VPS)
Choose performance
- Full virtualization with root access
- Unlimited traffic and up to 1 Gbps bandwidth
- Fast NVMe SSD Storage and Plesk Web Host Edition
