I currently run my Stash instance on MacOS (a much older OS and Intel version) and want to migrate to a dedicated Linux box. Is there a particular Linux distro that is recommended over others? It will be a new system, so you can start with any Linux.
On top of that, is there a good method for migrating the data beyond just starting completely over, or are the different OS types not compatible for migration?
Depends if you want it for “server” or for everyday personal use. There are So many distros each with their own fanbase and appeals
As for the stash migration from mac → linux it should be as easy as copy paste
I do agree on the multiple varieties of distros hence why I ask. I have a few servers all on different OS’s so was looking for a recommendation for a stash focused machine.
The real answer is Anything and just run it in docker, but for a machine only running stash you’d probably want to keep the host as minimal as possible.
IMO
aptdnf or need extreme stabilityStill pretty new to docker and I found the documentation didn’t explain the options within the compose file well for me so will likely avoid it unless I find a better description/install guide.
But I am pretty familiar with Ubuntu so might just stick to that. I appreciate the info. Do have to agree on your list of OS’s though.
You said it should be as easy as copy and paste, what exactly am I copy and pasting?
Seconding the recommendation for Ubuntu. I’m a fan of Debian myself, but the benefit of Ubuntu is that it usually has more up to date packages in its repositories. Don’t feel compelled to use Docker either, the Stash binary will run anywhere. If not using Docker you’ll want something that auto-starts Stash which is where systemd comes in.
What will be good to know is how you intend on running linux. Is it a VM? Where and how is your stash data stored?
FYI this is my systemd config for running Stash (no Docker). You’ll want to modify the user/groups and directories/config path to best match your own setup.
[Unit]
Description=Stash
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=exec
User=1000
Group=1000
WorkingDirectory=/opt/stash
Environment=PATH=/bin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/usr/sbin:/usr/local/bin STASH_SQLITE_CACHE_SIZE=-64000
ExecStart=/usr/bin/stash --nobrowser --config /home/stash/config.yml
Restart=always
Restart=on-failure
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Currently, my Stash instance is running with the native macOS pkg on my ancient Mac Pro. It runs fine, but I want to shift the Stash instance to a dedicated system. I know I don’t have to, but it is what I would prefer to do at this point. I started a new Stash instance on my newer Mac Mini running within Docker, and so far, only a few minor hiccups, but the main thing is I don’t know how to migrate between the two versions. Either MacOS to Docker or MacOS to Linux.
I am not opposed to using Docker; like I said above, I have it running as a test instance on my Mac right now. Either way, it will be a bare-metal device, in my case an Intel NUK, likely running Ubuntu 24 or 22, whichever is the current LTS, can’t remember off the top of my head.
I do appreciate the systemd file, it will come in handy if I go the Linux route.
the “data” directory, usually $HOME/.stash
Isn’t there more than just the data folder? LIke the DB or blobs and tag info and things?
db should be in that folder: stash-go.sqlite, blobs and things will also be in that folder under blobs unless you have it specifically stored elsewhere
I will look around and see, worse case I can redo everything, my stash is not that big. And kind of want to change up a few things. Appreciate the information.
I want to roll in here as a long (as in: stack of 50 floppy disks long) term Linux enthusiast, I’m having a lot of joy with EndevourOS.
Failing that, because the learning cliff exists: use Linux Mint, probably the Cinnamon version.
No fuss. No muss. Will run for a year without crashing. Defaults to the Long Term Support (LTS) base from Ubuntu. Gives precisely zero drama.
EndevourOS is like a kit car. You can slap a stupid engine in it and it’ll do 190mph…or catch fire and explode. Or you can slap in a 1.6L V4, and it will just run as long as you don’t fiddle with it.
Mint? That’s like a Toyota Camry. It goes. And goes. And goes. You’ll never win a drag race, but you can get a tow hitch for it, and a roof rack and it’ll let you do stuff. But you’re never gonna win a drag race at the traffic lights unless you do something VERY unwise.
Personally, I don’t mind wondering if the next update is gonna brick my OS. I have a 1TB external and run backups. If you don’t do backups or that sounds like a nerdy thing to say: use Mint.
That’s it.
I recently switched from Windows to Linux and I’ve been very happy with Mint. There have been a lot of things to learn of course, but Mint has felt familiar enough to make the switch relatively painless. I also haven’t had any major issues getting Stash to run in docker.
For any inquiring minds, I did manually migrate my very small collection from Mac OS pkg on the old system to the docker version on my new mac. From there I stood up a full bare metal Intel NUK and migrated my docker setup between systems, which was a super smooth process. I keep a smaller version of my collection on my mac for testing purposes which works fantastic.