WBB

wBB is an acronym used to refer to web-based bulletin boards. It denotes a category of software that enables online discussion communities to operate through a web browser. Because wBB is not a single product, the term covers a range of independent projects and generic implementations that share core forum functionality.

Core features typically found in wBB systems include user registration and authentication, creation of discussion threads, posting and replying, moderation tools, private messaging, search, and notification options. Many implementations support rich text formatting, file attachments, and customizable user roles. Plug-in architectures and theming capabilities are also common, allowing administrators to tailor functionality and appearance.

Architecturally, wBB software generally follows a multi-tier web application model. Server-side components are often written in languages such as PHP, Perl, Python, or JavaScript, and rely on relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. The front end uses standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to render threads and interfaces. Deployments range from small, self-hosted boards to larger, managed solutions.

History and usage context: The concept emerged as the web-based evolution of traditional bulletin board systems, expanding in the 2000s to support scalable, accessible online forums. Various open-source and proprietary projects adopted the wBB label or similar naming, contributing to a diverse landscape of community discussion tools.

See also: Internet forum, Web forum software, Bulletin board system, phpBB, Simple Machines Forum.