DokuWiki vs MediaWiki: Which Self-Hosted Wiki Fits Better?
Both are established self-hosted wiki platforms, but they solve different problems. The main difference is simplicity versus scale and extensibility.
DokuWiki is usually easier to run for a small internal wiki because it stores pages as files and does not require a database server. MediaWiki has a larger ecosystem and a more feature-rich traditional wiki model, but it requires a supported database and generally more administration.
Side-by-side
| Area | DokuWiki | MediaWiki |
|---|---|---|
| Content storage | Files | Database |
| Server stack | PHP and web server; no database required for core operation | Web server, PHP and supported database |
| Typical fit | Small or medium internal documentation, technical notes, straightforward team wiki | Larger public or private wikis, heavily linked content, custom workflows and extensions |
| Editing | DokuWiki syntax with plugins/options for different workflows | Wikitext by default; visual editing can be added |
| Extensions | Plugin ecosystem | Large extension ecosystem |
| Backup model | File backup is central because content is file-based | Database plus uploaded files and configuration should be backed up |
| Administration | Generally lighter | More moving parts, especially with extensions and upgrades |
The biggest difference: storage
DokuWiki's file-based approach removes the need to operate a database just for the wiki. That is useful for smaller installations, simple backups and environments where you want fewer dependencies.
MediaWiki stores wiki data in a database and is built around a broader platform architecture. Current releases require PHP plus a supported database such as MariaDB, MySQL, SQLite or PostgreSQL. MediaWiki publishes its current requirements here.
Choose DokuWiki when…
- You want a private team or technical wiki without running a database server.
- You value a relatively simple backup and hosting model.
- Your content structure is modest and you do not need MediaWiki's larger extension ecosystem.
- Your administrators prefer a smaller stack with fewer components.
Choose MediaWiki when…
- You expect a large, heavily interlinked wiki.
- You need MediaWiki-specific extensions or workflows.
- Detailed revision history, categories, templates and traditional wiki conventions are central to how you want to publish.
- You have someone comfortable maintaining PHP, a database and application upgrades.
What maintenance looks like
Neither option is “set it and forget it.” With DokuWiki, you still need to update the application and plugins, protect configuration/data directories and maintain backups. With MediaWiki, you also need to keep the database, MediaWiki core and extensions compatible through upgrades.
MediaWiki's own documentation warns that extensions can have compatibility or security issues and recommends checking the instructions for each extension. If you choose MediaWiki, see our MediaWiki extension installation guide before adding plugins to a production wiki.
Migration and portability
DokuWiki's plain-file content model can be appealing if portability matters, but moving to another wiki still requires handling markup, media and internal links. MediaWiki has mature export/import tools, but a customized installation can become closely tied to its templates and extensions. Test your most complicated pages before planning a full migration in either direction.
What about BookStack?
If both tools feel too traditional, BookStack is worth comparing. It is also self-hosted and open-source, but it uses a more conventional WYSIWYG interface and a Books → Chapters → Pages hierarchy. See the broader wiki software comparison for context.
Bottom line
DokuWiki is the simpler starting point when a small self-hosted wiki and low infrastructure overhead are the priorities. MediaWiki makes more sense when you specifically need its mature wiki architecture, scale or extension ecosystem. The choice is less about which product is universally “better” and more about how much complexity your use case actually needs.
Official references
For deployment decisions, check the current project documentation: DokuWiki documentation and MediaWiki installation requirements. Reviewed September 2026.