Redis (Remote Dictionary Server) is a popular, open-source, in-memory data structure store, widely used for caching, message brokering, real-time analytics, and more. Its performance and flexibility make it an essential tool for developers and system administrators. In this blog, we will guide you step-by-step on how to install Redis on Ubuntu, focusing specifically on Ubuntu 24.04, with detailed reference to the Vultr documentation.

 Why Choose Redis?

Before jumping into the installation process, here’s why Redis is worth considering:

  • Lightning-fast performance: As an in-memory store, Redis offers sub-millisecond response times.

  • Support for complex data structures: Includes strings, hashes, lists, sets, sorted sets, bitmaps, and more.

  • Persistence options: Redis allows snapshotting and append-only file (AOF) persistence.

  • Scalability: It supports master-replica architecture and automatic partitioning using Redis Cluster.

If you're looking for a tool to enhance your application's speed or manage temporary data efficiently, Redis is the right solution.

 

Prerequisites

To get started, ensure you have:

  • A server running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

  • A sudo user or root access

  • Stable internet connection

 

 Step-by-Step: How to Install Redis on Ubuntu

Let’s go through the installation process in a simple and clear manner. These steps are adapted from Vultr’s comprehensive Redis guide available here.

Step 1: Update System Repositories

Begin by updating your system’s package index to get the latest versions of packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

 

This ensures your Ubuntu system is current and secure.

Step 2: Install Redis

Now install Redis using Ubuntu’s built-in package manager:

sudo apt install redis -y

 

The command installs Redis server and all necessary dependencies.

Step 3: Start and Enable Redis Service

After installation, you need to start the Redis service and enable it to launch on boot:

sudo systemctl start redis

sudo systemctl enable redis

 

You can confirm that Redis is running by checking its status:

sudo systemctl status redis

 

A running Redis instance will display a status of “active (running)”.

Step 4: Test Redis Installation

To verify that Redis is working correctly, use the Redis command-line interface (CLI):

redis-cli

 

Once inside the CLI, type:

ping

 

If Redis is active, you’ll get the response:

PONG

 

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Redis on Ubuntu 24.04.

 

 Optional: Secure Redis

For production environments, it's crucial to secure your Redis instance. Here are some basic tips:

Bind Redis to Localhost

Edit the Redis configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/redis/redis.conf

 

Ensure this line is uncommented:

bind 127.0.0.1 ::1

 

This restricts Redis to listen only on localhost, preventing external access.

Set a Password

In the same file, find this line:

# requirepass foobared

 

Uncomment it and replace with a strong password:

requirepass YourStrongPassword

 

Restart Redis to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart redis

 

For more detailed security practices, consult the Vultr Redis installation guide.

 

 Common Redis Commands

Here are a few useful commands for managing Redis:

  • Stop Redis: sudo systemctl stop redis

  • Restart Redis: sudo systemctl restart redis

  • Reload Config: sudo systemctl reload redis

  • Check Version: redis-server --version

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install Redis on Ubuntu is a valuable skill for anyone building fast and scalable applications. With just a few terminal commands, you can have Redis up and running on Ubuntu 24.04, ready to power your apps with real-time capabilities.

Get started today and bring new speed and efficiency to your development projects with Redis on Ubuntu!