Get started with gokrazy: Simple self-hosting on Raspberry Pi

Watch this video for tips and tricks on building your first project on gokrazy

Schaffer Stewart, a senior software engineer at Fountain Life, sat down with the All Things Open team and we did a deep dive into gokrazy. Schaffer explains that gokrazy simplifies the process of self-hosting applications on home networks, addressing common frustrations associated with traditional setups with Raspberry Pi’s.

Key takeaways

Overview of gokrazy

What is gokrazy? It’s a minimal open source, Linux-based operating system designed for Raspberry Pi devices.

gokrazy is tailored for running Go applications, featuring a streamlined architecture that includes a Linux kernel, Raspberry Pi firmware, and the Go compiler. This minimal setup enhances both security and ease of use.

Common challenges

Traditional self-hosting often involves complex setups, frequent maintenance, and the risk of SD card corruption, leading to a discouraging experience for developers.

Getting started

To use gokrazy, developers need a Raspberry Pi and can begin by referring to the official documentation or helpful blog posts. Schaffer shares his initial project, setting up a DNS ad blocker using Blocky, a Go-based alternative to Pi-hole.

Best practices

Schaffer emphasizes the importance of having a specific project in mind before diving in, as gokrazy relies on a configuration file rather than a traditional shell interface. This approach allows for quick iterations and easy updates.

Conclusion

This interview highlights gokrazy as an exciting tool for developers interested in self-hosting, making it accessible and less daunting than traditional options.

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