Running Clearflask Behind A Reverse Proxy And Subpath Possible?

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Introduction

ClearFlask is a self-hosted note-taking application that allows users to create and manage their notes in a secure and private environment. With the ability to run it on your own domain, ClearFlask offers a high degree of customization and flexibility. However, when it comes to running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath, things can get a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore the possibilities of running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath, and provide guidance on how to achieve this setup.

Understanding the Issue

When you start the self-hosted Docker Compose setup for ClearFlask, it works as expected, and the requests from the browser reach the backend. However, when you want to run ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath, things don't quite work as expected. The issue arises when you set the parentDomain in the connect.config.json file and the domain in the config-selfhost.cfg file to the subpath, such as website.com/clearflask. In this case, the first side that loads requests all the files from the root, rather than the subpath.

Is ClearFlask Intended to Run as the Main Page?

ClearFlask is designed to be a self-hosted application, and it is not intended to run as the main page of your website. However, it can be run behind a reverse proxy and subpath, which is exactly what we want to achieve. To do this, we need to configure the reverse proxy to forward requests to the ClearFlask backend, while also updating the ClearFlask configuration to use the subpath.

Configuring the Reverse Proxy

To configure the reverse proxy, we need to update the NGINX configuration to forward requests to the ClearFlask backend. We can do this by adding a new server block to the NGINX configuration file, like this:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name website.com;

    location /clearflask {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:5000;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    }
}

In this example, we are forwarding requests to the ClearFlask backend, which is running on port 5000. We are also setting the Host and X-Real-IP headers to ensure that the ClearFlask backend receives the correct information.

Updating the ClearFlask Configuration

To update the ClearFlask configuration to use the subpath, we need to update the connect.config.json file and the config-selfhost.cfg file. We can do this by adding the following lines to the connect.config.json file:

{
    "parentDomain": "website.com/clearflask"
}

And we can add the following line to the config-selfhost.cfg file:

com.smotana.clearflask.web.Application$Config.domain=website.com/clearflask

Conclusion

Running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath is possible, but it requires some configuration updates. By updating the NGINX configuration to forward requests to the ClearFlask backend, and updating the ClearFlask configuration to use the subpath, we can achieve this setup. With this setup, we can run ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath, while still maintaining the flexibility and customization that ClearFlask offers.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while setting up the reverse proxy and subpath, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that the NGINX configuration is correct, and that the server block is properly configured.
  • Check that the ClearFlask configuration is updated to use the subpath.
  • Verify that the ClearFlask backend is running correctly, and that it is receiving the correct information from the reverse proxy.

Additional Information

  • ClearFlask is designed to be a self-hosted application, and it is not intended to run as the main page of your website.
  • ClearFlask can be run behind a reverse proxy and subpath, which is exactly what we want to achieve.
  • The ClearFlask configuration can be updated to use the subpath by adding the parentDomain to the connect.config.json file and the domain to the config-selfhost.cfg file.

Financial Contributions to ClearFlask

  • I use a free plan for ClearFlask.
  • I am not currently using a paid plan for ClearFlask.
  • I am considering upgrading to a paid plan in the future.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath?

A: Running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath allows you to integrate ClearFlask with your existing website or application, while still maintaining the flexibility and customization that ClearFlask offers.

Q: How do I configure the reverse proxy to forward requests to the ClearFlask backend?

A: To configure the reverse proxy, you need to update the NGINX configuration to forward requests to the ClearFlask backend. You can do this by adding a new server block to the NGINX configuration file, like this:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name website.com;

    location /clearflask {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:5000;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    }
}

Q: How do I update the ClearFlask configuration to use the subpath?

A: To update the ClearFlask configuration to use the subpath, you need to update the connect.config.json file and the config-selfhost.cfg file. You can do this by adding the following lines to the connect.config.json file:

{
    "parentDomain": "website.com/clearflask"
}

And you can add the following line to the config-selfhost.cfg file:

com.smotana.clearflask.web.Application$Config.domain=website.com/clearflask

Q: What are the benefits of running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath?

A: Running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath offers several benefits, including:

  • Integration with your existing website or application
  • Flexibility and customization
  • Improved security
  • Simplified maintenance and updates

Q: What are the potential issues with running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath?

A: Some potential issues with running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath include:

  • Configuration errors
  • Incompatibility with certain browsers or devices
  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Performance issues

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath?

A: To troubleshoot issues with running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath, you can try the following:

  • Check the NGINX configuration for errors
  • Verify that the ClearFlask configuration is correct
  • Check the browser console for errors
  • Contact the ClearFlask support team for assistance

Q: Can I use a different reverse proxy server instead of NGINX?

A: Yes, you can use a different reverse proxy server instead of NGINX. However, you will need to update the configuration to match the requirements of the new reverse proxy server.

Q: Can I use a subdomain instead of a subpath?

A: Yes, you can use a subdomain instead of a subpath. However, you will need to the ClearFlask configuration to match the new subdomain.

Q: How do I update the ClearFlask configuration to use a subdomain?

A: To update the ClearFlask configuration to use a subdomain, you need to update the connect.config.json file and the config-selfhost.cfg file. You can do this by adding the following lines to the connect.config.json file:

{
    "parentDomain": "subdomain.website.com"
}

And you can add the following line to the config-selfhost.cfg file:

com.smotana.clearflask.web.Application$Config.domain=subdomain.website.com

Conclusion

Running ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath offers several benefits, including integration with your existing website or application, flexibility and customization, improved security, and simplified maintenance and updates. However, it also requires some configuration updates and troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully run ClearFlask behind a reverse proxy and subpath.