How to Install ArangoDB: A Step-by-Step Guide

ArangoDB is a powerful multi-model NoSQL database that supports graph, document, and key-value data models in one engine. Whether you want to use it for development, testing, or production, this guide covers how to install ArangoDB on Linux, Windows, and macOS systems with clear step-by-step instructions.

Prerequisites

A system running a supported version of Linux (such as Ubuntu or CentOS), Windows 10/11, or macOS.
Administrator or root access to install software.
Basic familiarity with using command-line interfaces.
Internet connection to download the installation packages.

Installing ArangoDB on Linux

This example uses Ubuntu 20.04 or later. For other distros, commands may vary.

Open a terminal.
Update the package list:

sudo apt update

Install required packages:

sudo apt install curl apt-transport-https gnupg

Add the ArangoDB repository GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://download.arangodb.com/arangodb38/DEBIAN/Release.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/arangodb-archive-keyring.gpg

Add the ArangoDB repository to your sources list:

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/arangodb-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.arangodb.com/arangodb38/DEBIAN/ /" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/arangodb.list

Update again and install ArangoDB:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install arangodb3

During installation, you will be prompted to set an initial password for the database administrator root. Provide a secure password and confirm.
Start the ArangoDB service and enable it to launch on boot:

sudo systemctl start arangodb3
sudo systemctl enable arangodb3

Verify the service is running:

systemctl status arangodb3

Installing ArangoDB on Windows

Visit the official ArangoDB download page (Official site).
Download the Windows installer (.msi) for the latest stable release.
Run the installer executable.
Follow the setup wizard prompts:
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose the installation directory or leave the default.
- Set the administrator (root) password when prompted.
Allow the installation process to complete.
After installation, ArangoDB will run as a Windows service automatically.
Open a Command Prompt window and verify installation by typing:

arangosh --version

Start using ArangoDB by launching the web interface at http://127.0.0.1:8529/ in your browser.

Installing ArangoDB on macOS

Install Homebrew if you do not have it yet by running this command in Terminal:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Tap the ArangoDB repository:

brew tap arangodb/arangodb

Install ArangoDB:

brew install arangodb

Start ArangoDB server manually by running:

arangod --server.endpoint tcp://127.0.0.1:8529

Set the root password via the arangosh shell or access the web interface at http://127.0.0.1:8529/.
- Run arangosh in another terminal window.
- Set the password with commands or use the interactive prompt.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot connect to database at startup: Confirm the service is running and listening on port 8529.
Password prompt missing or login failed: Reset password using the arangosh shell or reinstall.
Installation package not found: Verify you are downloading from the official ArangoDB website or repositories.
Permission denied errors on Linux: Use sudo privileges for installation and starting the service.