How to Set Up ArangoDB from Oikos OpenHub: Deploying a Multi-Model Database

ArangoDB is a cutting-edge open-source multi-model database engine designed for modern, complex applications. It uniquely combines the strengths of Document (JSON), Graph, and Key-Value data models into a single core platform, allowing you to run powerful queries (known as AQL) across different data structures simultaneously.

Deploying ArangoDB through the Oikos OpenHub Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) drastically simplifies the setup. Oikos handles the container orchestration, networking, and resource allocation, enabling you to launch a production-ready instance instantly without dealing with manual server configuration or cluster management.

1. Accessing and Locating the Application#

Access the Oikos Launch Platform#

  • Visit: Navigate to the Oikos portal at https://launch.nife.io.
  • Log In: Use your registered credentials to gain access to the application management console.

Navigate to OpenHub#

  • Locate: Find the OpenHub option in the primary navigation sidebar (typically on the left).
  • Selection: Clicking OpenHub will present the full catalog of deployable open-source applications supported by the platform.

Search for ArangoDB#

  • Search Bar: Utilize the search functionality within the OpenHub interface and enter ArangoDB.
  • Identify: Locate the official ArangoDB application card, which is pre-configured for optimal deployment on Oikos.

2. Configuring and Initiating Deployment#

Before launching, you must define the critical environment variables for your database instance, specifically the root password for security.

Start Deployment and Configuration#

  • Selection: Hover over the ArangoDB card and click the Deploy button. This action takes you to the initial configuration screen.

Setting the Root Password#

  • Security Prompt: ArangoDB requires a root password for the primary database user (root). This is a crucial security step.
  • Action: Enter a strong, secure password in the environment variable field provided. This password will be used to access the ArangoDB web interface and management tools.
  • Confirmation: Click Submit or proceed to the next step.

Review Deployment Settings#

  • App Name: Assign a unique, descriptive name to your database deployment (e.g., arangodb-project-x).
  • Cloud Region: Select a Cloud Region that minimizes latency for your application or users who will be interacting with the database.
  • Resource Allocation: Review the allocated CPU and RAM. For production environments or heavy graph workloads, you may need to scale these resources up, which is easily managed within the Oikos console.

Finalizing the Launch#

  • Confirmation: Click the final Deploy button to initiate the container launch process.
  • Monitoring: Oikos will provision the necessary resources, pull the ArangoDB container image, and secure the network endpoint. Monitor the status until the deployment is complete.

3. Accessing and Utilizing ArangoDB#

Wait for Completion and Launch#

  • Completion: Once the status indicator shows Running, the Open App button will become active.
  • Access: Click Open App. This action redirects you to the secure URL of your deployed ArangoDB instance, specifically the web-based management interface known as the ArangoDB Web UI.

Logging In and Initial Setup#

  • Credentials: On the ArangoDB login screen, use the username root and the password you set during the configuration step (Step 2).
  • Web UI: The Web UI allows you to manage databases, collections (documents and graphs), run AQL (ArangoDB Query Language) queries, and monitor database performance.

Core Advantages of Deploying ArangoDB via Oikos#

Hosting ArangoDB on the Oikos PaaS provides several operational and development benefits:

1. Unified Multi-Model Capability#

ArangoDB's strength is hosting Document, Graph, and Key-Value data together. Oikos provides the necessary high-performance infrastructure to run these complex queries efficiently, avoiding the need for multiple, separate database deployments.

2. Containerized Reliability and Zero Downtime#

Oikos handles the container lifecycle management (using technologies like Docker or Kubernetes), ensuring that your ArangoDB instance is fault-tolerant and highly available. This eliminates manual configuration of underlying operating systems and runtime environments.

3. Simplified Security and Connectivity#

The platform automatically secures your deployment with an encrypted HTTPS endpoint. Furthermore, Oikos simplifies networking, making it easy to establish secure connections between your deployed ArangoDB instance and other applications or services hosted within the same environment.

4. Effortless Scaling and Management#

As your application and data grow, Oikos provides straightforward tools to scale resources (CPU, RAM, storage) for your ArangoDB instance horizontally or vertically, managing the underlying cluster technology without requiring deep DevOps expertise.

Official Documentation#

For detailed guides on AQL queries, data modeling, and leveraging ArangoDB's full multi-model potential:

ArangoDB Official Documentation: https://www.arangodb.com/docs/