How to upgrade TW inside of docker container?

#1

I am using TiddlyWiki in a docker container (multiple, actually, for separate wikis) and was using nicolaw’s docker image (Nicola Worthington / tiddlywiki · GitLab). However, this is several minor versions (5.2.2 vs. 5.2.5) behind and I saw that some plugins require up-to-date installations of TW (even if it is not strictly enforced if I remember correctly). Is there a procedure to update the installation or will I have to wait for an updated docker image?
It’s nothing super-important and nicolaw’s images have been super reliable until now so I would refrain from using another image until I discover a plug-in that really needs the updated version…

#2

Hi Cantello,
Welcome to the forum.

First of all: If it aint broken, do not fix it. …

It should be possible to create a completely new wiki with an updated version, with which you can play with. So your production stuff does not have to be changed until you really need it.

IMO the easiest way would be to contact Nicola and ask for an update.
So you only would need to make sure that you can “hand over” your existing data to the new docker images.

Always bakup first !

DANGER ZONE!
Disclaimer: Sine I don’t know your system everything written below could be wrong.

  • So you are responsible to backup your system in case you need it.
  • Do NOT post any usernames or passwords!
  • If you don’t wan to expose your domain you can use example.com if you want to.

I did have a very short look at the GitLab code. It seems, that whole process is based on environment variables. … So it would be possible to create a completely new tag on your own.

It’s important to know, how you did “bind” your data volumes. … and that depends on how you started your docker image.

So how did you start your docker image?

  • If your data is “bind-mounted” to a docker volume, it should be relatively easy to make an update.
  • You can use a backup / snapshot of your existing data and create a new "throw away store"
  • Create a new docker image and connect the “throw away store” for testing with the new version.
  • If everything works you can prepare a switch.
  • Create a BACKUP of everything of the whole server if possible … So if you mess it up you can go back.

If those points do not make much sense to you, go to the top and ask Nicola for a new version.

hope that helps
mario

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#3

Update the docker file is the correct approach. Fork the repo if PR is not accepted.

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#4

Thanks to both of you for putting me in the right direction, I now just built a new docker image (first time I did this, woohoo) and created a new tw5 instance to play around with and see if everything works. Then I will simply try to upgrade/import the downloaded backup file into the new tw instance and see if that works as well. It’s not a complex tiddlywiki, just campaign/character notes for our current tabletop role-playing group (hence the need for a server-based tw5 approach).

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