Self-Hosted / Projects / Gogs
Gogs
StableSpecs verified September 26, 2026 · against vv0.14.3
Overview
Lightweight self-hosted Git service for repositories, collaboration, and code hosting.
Gogs is a lightweight self-hosted Git service for people who want to host repositories and code collaboration on their own server. It targets the core Git hosting workflow without the larger operational footprint of a full DevOps platform.
Why people choose Gogs
The search intent is a simple self-hosted GitHub or GitLab alternative. Gogs emphasizes easy installation, cross-platform binaries, low resource use, and a familiar repository web interface, making it relevant to small teams, private projects, and homelab developers.
What is included
Official Gogs material covers repositories over SSH, HTTP, and HTTPS, user and organization management, webhooks, deploy keys, Git LFS, issues, pull requests, wikis, protected branches, repository migration and mirroring, and Docker or binary installation.
Requirements and tradeoffs
Gogs requires Git, an SSH path for Git-over-SSH, and one supported database backend: MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. Configure an external URL, database credentials, and an unguessable secret key. It is intentionally lightweight, but teams should compare its current features, release cadence, integrations, and security process with Gitea or Forgejo before standardizing.
Best fit
Choose Gogs for a small, focused Git hosting service where low resource use and straightforward deployment matter. Choose a broader forge when you need deeper CI/CD, package registries, project management, or a larger plugin and integration ecosystem.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the Gogs interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Git repository hostingThe official project is a self-hosted Git service with repository management. | Supported |
| SSH, HTTP, and HTTPS accessThe official README lists repository access through SSH, HTTP, and HTTPS. | Supported |
| Users, organizations, and repositoriesUser, organization, and repository management are documented features. | Supported |
| Issues, pull requests, wikis, and protected branchesThese collaboration features are listed in the official repository README. | Supported |
| Webhooks and deploy keysRepository and organization webhooks plus deploy keys are documented. | Supported |
| Git LFSGit LFS is listed among the official project features. | Supported |
| Repository migration and mirroringGogs documents migrating and mirroring repositories from other code hosts. | Supported |
| Low-resource deploymentThe official introduction highlights low resource consumption, but real sizing still depends on repositories, users, actions, and database choice. | Supported |
Community signals
- Stars
- 47.8k
- Forks
- 5.1k
- Open issues
- 1k
- Last commit
- 3w ago
- Latest release
- v0.14.3
- Repo created
- Feb 2014
Includes open pull requests
4mo ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is Gogs used for?
Gogs is used to host Git repositories and provide a lightweight web service for users, organizations, issues, pull requests, wikis, and code collaboration.
Is Gogs a self-hosted GitHub alternative?
Yes. Gogs provides core self-hosted Git hosting and collaboration, but compare CI/CD, package registries, integrations, and project-management needs before treating it as a complete GitHub replacement.
What database does Gogs need?
Gogs supports MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite according to the official installation documentation.
Can Gogs run in Docker?
Yes. The official installation guide documents Docker images as well as pre-built binaries and packages.
Does Gogs support Git over SSH?
Yes. Git over SSH is supported, and the installation documentation explains that an SSH server or the built-in SSH server can be used.
Is Gogs lighter than GitLab?
Gogs is designed to be lightweight and simple to install, while GitLab is a much broader platform. The tradeoff is fewer built-in platform capabilities and a different integration ecosystem.
Should I choose Gogs, Gitea, or Forgejo?
Compare current release activity, security handling, features, integrations, and community support. Gogs remains a focused option, but Gitea and Forgejo may be a better fit when you need a larger active ecosystem.
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