Lightweight Free PHP forum software

Question

I've used both Vbulletin and Simple Machines in the past but I'd like something much less bloated.

It must have basic features like: user levels, list of users online, avatars, bans, mods, sticky threads, lock threads, etc.

Private messaging would be a plus!

It must also be easily customisable & clean coded. (And the more lightweight/fast the better!)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's a list of Internet Forum Software written in PHP

Answer 2

phpBB is easily the most common one in my experience, and generally considered to be one of (if not the) best forum system.

I personally have developed an online forum using this software, and found it to be extremely easy to set up and customise. The basic interface can be adapter to be anywhere from almost minimalistic to quite complex; you can theme/style just about any aspect, and there also seem to be a good number of custom modules to support additional functionality for the forum. Definitely something to try out.

Answer 3

I've always been a big fan of MyBB. It's great.

Answer 4

I suggest either PunBB or Novaboard; both are light, fast and easy to extend. I haven't examined the code to Novaboard, but PunBB is very cleanly coded last time I looked.

And as one who used MyBB, I'd say stay away--despite it being a perfectly decent forum. The code is the ugliest I've seen in a forum yet, possibly "compressed" to be faster loading, and even lacks indentation.

Answer 5

I've vanilla to be pretty .. vanilla.

Answer 6

I have personally used both punBB and Vanilla and both of them are great php app, very lightweight and super easy customizable. On any given day, I'd go with punBB as I know the coding structure is well organized.

Answer 7

bbPress (from the makers of WordPress) and Vanilla are two of my personal favorites.

Answer 8

You may want to try the Wordpress plugin WP Forum

Answer 9

I would say Simple Machines 2.0 and MyBB as well, that are both free and really good!

More details and live demos here: http://www.forum-software.org/live-forum-demonstrations

Answer 10

I suggest esotalk that loads really faster than any other forum software.

Alternatively you may consider Punbb if you are looking also the powerful features for your forum