SMF

Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is an open-source forum software written in PHP. It is designed to run online discussion communities and is maintained by the Simple Machines Forum project, with the first release in 2003.

SMF stores posts, topics, users, and settings in a relational database, typically MySQL, and can be extended via packages and themes. Core features include user registration and profiles, boards and topics, posting and replying, private messaging, search, polls, moderation tools, and an administration panel.

Administrators can customize SMF via themes and templates; there is a built-in Package Manager for installing mods and themes. The software is designed to be extensible through additional packages and templates, allowing administrators to tailor functionality and appearance.

SMF runs on web servers with PHP and is generally used for small to medium-size forums. It supports multiple languages and provides various options for user permissions and moderation, making it suitable for community-driven sites.

Licensing for SMF is governed by the Simple Machines Forum License, a permissive open-source license that governs redistribution and modification. The project maintains ongoing security updates and documentation to assist administrators in deployment and maintenance.

Overall, SMF has a broad user base and active community, with extensive documentation and support across its official site and forums, making it a common choice for small to mid-sized online communities seeking a self-hosted forum solution.