Hey everyone! I'm really in over my head here and could use some serious help with Docker. Just to give you some context, I'm not a developer at all—coding and tech stuff just goes way over my head! I'm trying to sync my reading stats and books between two e-readers, which has led me down a rabbit hole of tools. I've found two programs, Calibre-web Automated and Booklore, that seem perfect for what I need, but I'm completely lost on how to get them set up using Docker. I've spent nearly two weeks watching tutorials and reading guides, but nothing has clicked for me. I'm reasonably overwhelmed and would really appreciate it if someone patient could either guide me step-by-step or help me get it up and running. I'm even open to paying for your time. Anyone willing to help me out? Thanks so much!
5 Answers
Honestly, I had a tough time with Calibre-web too. If you're starting from scratch with no existing database, you'll struggle getting it to work without some hacks. Just throwing it out there, but you might want to look into Kavita instead for an easier setup.
Just a heads up, setting this up for you might not be the best solution. You'll need to maintain it down the road. Maybe try to find a video or a blog post that has installation instructions and give it another go?
There's a good chance you might not actually need Docker. Docker is great for running lots of containers or developing apps. If your only goal is to run a server for Calibre, you might be able to skip Docker entirely. The Github page for Calibre-web doesn't specifically say you need Docker. What made you think that?
The requirement for Docker is explicitly mentioned for Calibre Web Automated and Booklore. Honestly, I'm frustrated because I have the instructions, but without the technical know-how, they make no sense.
Have you tried using AI tools like ChatGPT for help? I put in some tricky questions about Docker and was surprised by how well it explained things and guided me through common issues. You can start by asking something like, "How do I create a Booklore Docker container on my machine?" It keeps the details in mind and can be a lot faster than asking in forums.
I gave that a shot, but it just threw a bunch of code at me that I had no idea how to use. I really think I need someone to walk me through it, step by step. I'm feeling a bit hopeless here.
If Calibre-web isn't working for you, you might instead consider something like Kavita. It's usually easier to set up and similar to using an e-reader. Have you looked into it yet?
I did check it out, but it still doesn't seem to have the sync features I need.
My main tool is still Calibre, and it’s been great for managing my library. I just need something that lets me easily sync between devices, and that's why I’m looking into these two programs. Kavita doesn’t quite fit my needs regarding syncing on a Kobo, but I appreciate the suggestion!