Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Wiki.js VS Foam

Compare Wiki.js VS Foam and see what are their differences

Wiki.js logo Wiki.js

An open source, modern and powerful wiki app built on Node.js, Git, and Markdown.

Foam logo Foam

Personal knowledge management and sharing on VSCode & GitHub
  • Wiki.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-24
  • Foam Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-06-28

Wiki.js features and specs

  • Open-Source
    Wiki.js is open-source software, which means it is free to use, and the source code is available for anyone to review, modify, and contribute to.
  • Modern Interface
    The platform features a sleek, modern interface that is user-friendly and customizable, employing responsive design that works well on various devices.
  • Markdown Support
    Wiki.js natively supports Markdown, which is a simple and efficient way to format text. This makes content creation quick and easy for users familiar with Markdown.
  • Extensibility
    The system supports numerous modules and extensions, allowing for high customization to suit the needs of different projects and teams.
  • Multi-Language
    It supports multiple languages, making it accessible and usable by a global audience without the need for additional translation tools.
  • Authentication Methods
    Wiki.js integrates with various authentication methods, including LDAP, OAuth, and even custom authentication, providing flexible security options.
  • Real-Time Collaboration
    With real-time collaborative editing, multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, improving efficiency and teamwork.
  • Content Management
    The platform includes robust version control and content management features, ensuring that all changes are tracked and reversible.
  • Search Functionality
    Advanced search functionality ensures users can quickly find the information they are looking for, enhancing the overall user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Wiki.js

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Wiki.js can be more complex compared to other wiki solutions, requiring knowledge of JavaScript and server management.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues on larger installations, indicating that scalability might be a concern for very large deployments.
  • Limited WYSIWYG Editor
    The WYSIWYG editor is not as feature-rich as some other wiki platforms, which might be a drawback for users who prefer a more robust visual editing experience.
  • Dependency on Node.js
    Wiki.js requires Node.js to run, which could be a limitation for environments where installing and maintaining Node.js is not feasible.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    While the interface is modern and sleek, there can be a steeper learning curve for users who are not familiar with Markdown or the various configuration options.
  • Limited Plugin Ecosystem
    Compared to more established wiki platforms, Wiki.js has a relatively smaller plugin ecosystem, which could limit some functionalities out of the box.
  • Documentation Gaps
    Users have reported that the official documentation can be lacking in certain areas, making troubleshooting and advanced configuration more challenging.

Foam features and specs

  • Open Source
    Foam is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use and allows for community-driven development and contributions. Users can modify the source code to fit their specific needs.
  • Markdown Support
    Foam uses Markdown, a lightweight and easy-to-read syntax, making it simple to create and manage notes. This also allows for easy integration with other Markdown-based tools and platforms.
  • Integration with Visual Studio Code
    Foam is designed to work seamlessly with Visual Studio Code (VS Code). This provides users with a powerful and familiar text editor environment, complete with extensions and customization options.
  • Graph View
    Foam includes a graph visualization feature that helps users see and navigate the relationships between their notes, making it easier to understand and manage complex information.
  • Bidirectional Links
    Foam supports bidirectional links, allowing users to create connections between notes in both directions. This enhances the note-taking experience by enabling a more interconnected and dynamic information structure.
  • Community and Documentation
    Foam has a growing community of users and contributors, as well as comprehensive documentation. This support network helps users troubleshoot issues, share tips, and improve their knowledge of the tool.

Possible disadvantages of Foam

  • Limited to VS Code
    Foam relies on Visual Studio Code as its primary environment. Users who prefer different text editors or platforms might find this limitation restrictive and less convenient.
  • Learning Curve
    Although Foam leverages Markdown, users may still face a learning curve, especially if they are not familiar with VS Code or the specific features and extensions required to maximize Foam's capabilities.
  • Performance with Large Datasets
    Foam can struggle with performance issues when handling large datasets or a high number of notes. This can lead to slow response times and inefficient workflows.
  • Limited Mobile Support
    Foam is primarily designed for desktop use within VS Code, which means that mobile support is limited. Users looking for a seamless cross-platform experience might find this aspect lacking.
  • Customization Complexity
    While Foam offers a high degree of customization, setting up and configuring the tool to meet personal preferences and workflows can be complex and time-consuming for some users.

Analysis of Wiki.js

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Wiki.js is a strong option for individuals and organizations looking for a dynamic and fully-featured wiki platform. It is well-suited for users who are comfortable with technical setup and prefer a self-hosted solution.

Why this product is good

  • Wiki.js is considered a good choice due to its modern interface, extensive features, and flexibility. It supports multiple editing formats and can integrate with various authentication systems. Additionally, it is open-source, which allows for customization and can be self-hosted, providing control over data.

Recommended for

  • Tech-savvy users who want control over their data.
  • Organizations looking for a customizable and integrable wiki solution.
  • Teams that require support for multiple authentication methods.

Analysis of Foam

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Foam is a good tool for those seeking an open-source environment for note-taking and knowledge management, particularly if they appreciate an approach based on markdown files and integration within a powerful text editor like Visual Studio Code. Its flexibility and user-driven customization make it suitable for users who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their workspace according to their workflow.

Why this product is good

  • Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, offering an open-source solution built on top of Visual Studio Code. It provides users with capabilities to create and interlink notes using markdown files, offering flexibility and customization suited to personal preferences. Foam supports features like backlinking, graph visualization of notes, and integration with VS Code extensions, making it a robust tool for managing interconnected information effectively.

Recommended for

  • Individuals preferring markdown-based note-taking systems
  • Developers familiar with Visual Studio Code
  • Users who appreciate open-source software and community-driven projects
  • People interested in managing complex, interconnected knowledge bases

Wiki.js videos

WIKI.JS REVIEW + 1 CLICK INSTALL + DEMO TUTORIAL + $50 FREE TRIAL ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ป

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How To Deploy Wiki.js on Ubuntu 18.04 With Nginx web server
  • Review - Tenha sua prรณpria plataforma de wiki com o Wiki.js

Foam videos

These panels DESTROYED my STUDIO....REVERB? - ArrowZoom Foam Review

More videos:

  • Review - Arrowzoom Foam Review
  • Review - Ryobi Foam Blaster VS. Amazon Foam Cannon | Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Wiki.js and Foam)
WiKis
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
45 45%
55% 55
Knowledge Base
58 58%
42% 42
Knowledge Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Wiki.js and Foam. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Wiki.js and Foam

Wiki.js Reviews

Top 12 Self-hosted Wiki Engines for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Wiki.js is an exceptional open-source wiki software that boasts impressive power and extensibility. Its remarkable key features include seamless compatibility with a variety of databases (such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, SQLite), an extensive and user-friendly admin area, a performance-driven design utilizing Node.js, and a customizable appearance with both...
Source: medevel.com
The 10 Best Self-hosted Wiki Software for Linux System
The best thing is Wiki.js supports the maximum types of available databases, including MySQL and MariaDB. It has a built-in authentication feature that supports password encrypted file sharing. It allows integrating with other authentication services along with 2FA such as Google, GitHub, Microsoft, and many more. Wiki.js offers a wide range of features, which makes it one...
Best 11 Open-source Free Wiki Engines for teams and enterprise in 2022
Wiki.js is our first pick here because it is an enterprise-grade Wiki engine with dozens of features and options. It exceeds other engines in performance, features, and customizations.
Source: medevel.com
The Best 20 Wiki Software For Your Business& Internal Knowledge for 2022
Wiki.js is a modern version of traditional wiki platforms. It is an open-source wiki tool with an intuitive interface, easy installation process, and a bundle of features that make wiki creation a fun-filled experience. Based on Node.js, the software comes with a wide array of modules that can be turned on and off depending on which features you need and which ones you donโ€™t.

Foam Reviews

We have no reviews of Foam yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Wiki.js might be a bit more popular than Foam. We know about 68 links to it since March 2021 and only 48 links to Foam. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Wiki.js mentions (68)

  • Show HN: We built a FOSS documentation CMS with a pretty GUI
    Congrats on launching! Quick question: is this closer to WikiJS (https://js.wiki/), TinaCMS (https://tina.io/), Docusaurus (https://docusaurus.io/), or something else? - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Adding a simple light box in wiki.js
    Wiki.js is a self hosted, open source Wiki that has a lot of awesome functionality. Unfortunately it's lacking some small, but important UI features, like a light box, to enlarge downsized images to it's full size. And unless you want to add a link to each image, to open it in a new tab, you would probably go for a modal view here. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: What are some good documentation OSS offerings
    Https://js.wiki/ is what weโ€™ve decided to go with at my company. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • How do you host documentation for your spouse or other users?
    Can't think of anything that meets all the criteria, there's always some compromise, which might just be the way it is. For example I could 'self-host' otterwiki or wiki.js on a VPS for a pretty small monthly fee, which I could also use for other stuff that doesn't make sense for a home lab, but then I also need to deal with security since it's hosted on the internet. Or I could self-host and just accept that... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Documentation as Code for Cloud Using PlantUML
    I love PlantUML. I was always fond of it in my early days as a software engineer and still use it today, along with all the various ways to draw diagrams out there, whether it's through a web tool like draw.io or Miro or through markup like PlantUML and Mermaid. Some stuff I'd like to share with the rest: - PlantUML's default style has improved since the days of red/brown borders, pale yellow boxes, drop shadows... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
View more

Foam mentions (48)

  • Migrating from DokuWiki to Obsidian
    I've been using foam instead of obsidian for my personal knowledge base. It works rather well. And it's completely free and ultimately just markdown. While I might wish it was djot, I don't wish hard enough to make that so myself https://foambubble.github.io/foam/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • I Use Obsidian
    I gave up on Obsidian and just use Foam (https://foambubble.github.io/foam/) and/or vimwiki. I just canโ€™t get into overwrought, arbitrarily designed organization schemes or proprietary apps (Foam-managed content is just plain Markdown, so I can easily do without itโ€”it provides the absolute bare minimum for easy linking of notes without proprietary markup). - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Use a Work Journal to Recover Focus Faster and Clarify Your Thoughts
    If you're interested in an open-source, free equivalent, check out VSCodium (open-source version of VSCode), and FOAM (VSCode plugin - https://foambubble.github.io/foam/). In a new project, create a `docs/` folder, and start with `docs/notes.md`. When you want to branch out to other files & links, you can type [[MyTopic]] and FOAM will automatically create MyTopic.md, and will allow you to click on the link and... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Vscode setup with Foam and Logseq for Digital Note Taking
    Source: (1) A personal knowledge management and sharing system for VSCode - Foam. https://foambubble.github.io/foam/. (2) A personal knowledge management and sharing system for VSCode. https://github.com/foambubble/foam. (3) Loam - Visual Studio Marketplace. https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ciceroisback.loam. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Request: VSCode extension that allows users to edit .cavas files
    Foam[0], memo[1], Markdown Memo[2], md-graph[3] file/directory display plugin [4] ----- misc related links: https://forum.obsidian.md/t/obsidian-vscode-editor-elevate-your-code-editing-experience-in-obsidian/69057/2 https://forum.obsidian.md/t/vs-code-plugin-the-best-of-both-worlds/6358 https://jukkaniiranen.com/2022/01/canvas-app-source-code-editing-with-vs-code-in-your-browser/... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Wiki.js and Foam, you can also consider the following products

DokuWiki - DokuWiki is a simple to use and highly versatile Open Source wiki software that doesn't require a database.

Obsidian.md - A second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

MediaWiki - MediaWiki is a free software wiki package written in PHP, originally for use on Wikipedia.

Logseq - Logseq is a local-first, non-linear, outliner notebook for organizing and sharing your personal knowledge base.

TiddlyWiki - a non-linear personal web notebook

Roam Research - A note-taking tool for networked thought