Users deploying ZITADEL against a managed PostgreSQL service (RDS, Cloud
SQL, Azure Database, etc.) often do not have superuser access and cannot
provide `Admin.*` credentials. The documented workaround — provisioning
the user and database manually and then running `start-from-setup` —
silently skips schema bootstrapping, causing `relation
"eventstore.events" does not exist` errors with no clear recovery path.
The root cause is that `zitadel init` conflates two steps that require
different privileges without exposing them separately:
- **Provisioning step** (`CREATE ROLE`, `CREATE DATABASE`, `GRANT`) —
requires superuser.
- **Schema bootstrapping step** (create
`eventstore`/`projections`/`system` schemas and base tables) — requires
only DB owner.
Users who handle the provisioning step externally have no supported way
to run schema bootstrapping alone.
## Changes
- **`cmd/initialise/verify_schema.go`** (renamed from
`verify_zitadel.go`): Rename `newZitadel()` → `newSchema()` (internal);
rename the `init zitadel` sub-command to `zitadel init schema`
(backwards-compatible alias kept) with a clear description that it
bootstraps the ZITADEL database schema without admin/superuser
privileges. Fix stale error log message to reference `init schema`.
- **`cmd/initialise/verify_schema_test.go`** (renamed from
`verify_zitadel_test.go`): Test file renamed to match source file.
- **`cmd/initialise/init.go`**: Update call site to `newSchema()`. Add
guidance in the `init` command's Long description about using `zitadel
init schema` for users without admin credentials.
- **`cmd/initialise/verify_database.go`**: Add a `pg_database` catalog
pre-check before attempting `CREATE DATABASE`, so `zitadel init` with
`ADMIN=service_user` no longer fails with `permission denied to create
database` when the database was already provisioned externally.
- **`cmd/initialise/verify_database_test.go`**: Add test cases covering
the new catalog-check skip path, the existing error-skip path, and the
error-propagation path when the `pg_database` query itself fails.
- **`apps/docs/content/self-hosting/manage/database/index.mdx`**: Inline
the `_postgres.mdx` partial (now only PostgreSQL is supported), add a
top-level callout, and add a **Managed PostgreSQL / No Admin Access**
section with explicit 3-step instructions and security guidance (strong
passwords, SSL, TLS). Additional improvements: add inline `# Use
'require' or 'verify-full' for production` comments on `Mode: disable`
lines in the YAML example; add clarifying comment to the redundant
`GRANT` in the SQL snippet; replace admonition syntax with proper
Fumadocs `<Callout>` components; add full database connection env vars
to the `start-from-setup` example.
- **`apps/docs/content/self-hosting/manage/updating_scaling.mdx`**:
Rewrite the init phase description to clearly distinguish the
provisioning and schema bootstrapping steps, and document `zitadel init
schema` as the path for manual provisioning. Replace admonition syntax
with proper Fumadocs `<Callout>` components.
- **`apps/docs/content/self-hosting/manage/database/_postgres.mdx`**:
Deleted (content merged into `index.mdx`).
## Problem
This relates to https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/discussions/9363
I think we can improve our UX in cases where a user wants to use an
external DB and/or does not want to share too broad permissions with
zitadel
## Related problems
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/10432
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/discussions/8583
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/7903
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/9718
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/8012
* https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/8558
## Related PRs
https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/pull/11021
Replaces the single-file `docker-compose.yaml` quickstart with a
production-aware, Traefik-based compose pack in `deploy/compose/`. The
pack covers the full arc from a 2-minute localhost quickstart to a
hardened homelab or semi-production deployment.
### What's in the pack
**Stack**: Traefik (proxy) → ZITADEL API (Go `:8080`) + ZITADEL Login
(Next.js `:3000`) → PostgreSQL
All HTTP/gRPC routing is handled by Traefik via Docker labels — no
manual proxy config needed. The Login V2 UI is enabled by default. Login
URLs are derived automatically from `ZITADEL_DOMAIN`,
`ZITADEL_EXTERNALPORT`, and `ZITADEL_PUBLIC_SCHEME` — no separate URL
variables needed.
**Compose files**
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `docker-compose.yml` | Base stack — works standalone. Uses explicit
`name: zitadel` network for reliable Traefik service discovery. |
| `docker-compose.mode-letsencrypt.yml` | TLS overlay: ACME HTTP
challenge |
| `docker-compose.mode-external-tls.yml` | TLS overlay: upstream LB/CDN
terminates TLS. Uses `forwardedHeaders.trustedIPs` (configurable via
`TRAEFIK_TRUSTED_IPS`) instead of `insecure=true`. |
| `docker-compose.mode-local-tls.yml` | TLS overlay: self-signed certs
for LAN |
| `docker-compose.prodlike.yml` | Splits init / setup / start for
controlled upgrades |
| `docker-compose.test.yml` | CI overlay: swaps images to locally-built
`:local` tags |
**Optional profiles**: `cache` (Redis), `observability` (OpenTelemetry
Collector)
### Build infra
- New `@zitadel/api:pack` and `@zitadel/login:pack` Nx targets build
local Docker images (`zitadel/zitadel:local`,
`zitadel/zitadel-login:local`) for use in CI and local testing
- `apps/api/Dockerfile` now accepts a `BINARY` build arg so local and
release builds share the same image
### Testing
- New `@zitadel/compose` Nx project with targets: `test-config`
(validates all overlay combinations using `--quiet`), `test-run` (starts
full stack with local images), `test-e2e` (Playwright wiring + protocol
matrix tests through Traefik), `test-full` (end-to-end: build → start →
test → teardown), `stop`
- **`@zitadel/compose` is explicitly excluded from `nx affected` in CI
for now** — the full stack smoke test requires a Docker daemon and
significant resources. The intent is to add a dedicated
`compose_smoke_test` CI job in a follow-up. The targets can be run
locally with `pnpm nx run @zitadel/compose:test-full`.
### Documentation
- **`compose.mdx`**: Complete rewrite with a staged structure (Stage 1
Quickstart → Stage 2 Homelab → Stage 3 Beyond Compose). Documents TLS
modes, profiles, secrets hardening, ExternalDomain/Port/Secure
invariant, upgrades, and the path to Kubernetes
- **New `requirements.mdx`**: Lists supported PostgreSQL versions
(14–18), Redis (standalone), Docker Compose v2.x, and reverse proxy h2c
requirements
- **`reverse_proxy.mdx`**: Added intro covering h2c requirements, TLS
modes table, and Login UI routing split
- **`troubleshooting.mdx`**: New sections for container restarts on
upgrade, FIRSTINSTANCE env vars not taking effect, and diagnosing
unhealthy containers
- **`caddy/index.mdx`**: Known issue and workaround for the `TE:
trailers` header hang
- Removed the old
`apps/docs/content/self-hosting/deploy/docker-compose.yaml` embedded in
the docs
### Breaking change
The old `apps/docs/content/self-hosting/deploy/docker-compose.yaml` file
is deleted. The getting-started docs page
(`/self-hosting/deploy/compose`) now points to the new pack via a `curl
| tar` download command.
---
### Checklist
- [x] `deploy/compose/` smoke test passes end-to-end locally (`pnpm nx
run @zitadel/compose:test-full`)
- [x] Docs build passes (`pnpm nx run @zitadel/docs:build`)
- [ ] Follow-up issue created to add `compose_smoke_test` CI job
---------
Co-authored-by: Mridang Agarwalla <[email protected]>
# Which Problems Are Solved
- Docs code blocks that display imported files (YAML configs, Go
examples) render as unstyled plain text with no syntax highlighting,
unlike fenced code blocks which go through `rehypeCode`/Shiki
# How the Problems Are Solved
- Deleted `components/docusaurus/code-block.tsx` entirely — no custom
wrapper is needed anymore
- Replaced all usages with `DynamicCodeBlock` from
`fumadocs-ui/components/dynamic-codeblock` directly in MDX files; it
handles SSR pre-rendering through the same Shiki pipeline as all other
code blocks
- Raw file content (YAML, Go) is imported as strings via webpack's
existing `asset/source` rule already configured in `next.config.mjs` —
no new infrastructure required
- In `_proxy_guide_tls_mode.mdx`, the `Commands` JSX component was
refactored from concatenated JSX array children to a single template
literal string, which is what `DynamicCodeBlock` (and any string-based
highlighter) requires
- All changes applied to both non-versioned docs and versioned snapshots
(v4.10, v4.11)
# Additional Changes
None.
# Additional Context
- Affected MDX files: YAML config files under
`self-hosting/manage/configure/`, reverse-proxy guides,
`self-hosting/deploy/compose.mdx`, and the actions
`testing-request-signature.mdx` guide
<!-- START COPILOT ORIGINAL PROMPT -->
<details>
<summary>Original prompt</summary>
>
> ----
>
> *This section details on the original issue you should resolve*
>
> <issue_title>code block style is weird</issue_title>
> <issue_description>### Preflight Checklist
>
> - [x] I could not find a solution in the existing issues, docs, nor
discussions
> - [x] I have joined the [ZITADEL chat](https://zitadel.com/chat)
>
> ### Describe the docs your are missing or that are wrong
>
> This hurts my eyes:
>
> <img width="867" height="525" alt="Image"
src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b7b66d92-56e1-4e0a-8dba-3cab448930fe"
/>
>
> ### Additional Context
>
> _No response_</issue_description>
>
> <agent_instructions>the user reported a weirdly styled code block in
the docs page where we used to display yaml files. Investigate the docs
and fix the styling</agent_instructions>
>
> ## Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)
>
> <comments>
> <comment_new><author>@fforootd</author><body>
> haha, ok that is certainly weird, let me look at
that.</body></comment_new>
> </comments>
>
</details>
<!-- START COPILOT CODING AGENT SUFFIX -->
- Fixeszitadel/zitadel#11645
<!-- START COPILOT CODING AGENT TIPS -->
---------
Co-authored-by: copilot-swe-agent[bot] <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: fforootd <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: Florian Forster <[email protected]>
# Which Problems Are Solved
As part of the consistent naming effort, this PR focuses on
"Organization domain".
# How the Problems Are Solved
- All terms referring referring to Organization Domains where changed to
be Organization Domain
# Additional Changes
None
# Additional Context
- closes [#11283](https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/11283)
---------
Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>
# Which Problems Are Solved
naming inconsistencies: Configuration <-> Settings
# How the Problems Are Solved
# Additional Changes
# Additional Context
- Closes#11282
# Which Problems Are Solved
Inconsistent naming of service account, found in the following
variations:
- Machine User
- machine user
- Service User
- Machine Account
- Technical Account
- User: Type Machine
# How the Problems Are Solved
Attentive search and replace.
Localizations have been translated using Copilot
# Additional Changes
Some unused methods have been removed from the Go code.
# Additional Context
- Closes#11285
# Which Problems Are Solved
- Typos
- Punctuation
- Markdown table formatting
- ...
(A bunch of issues my editor gave)
# How the Problems Are Solved
# Additional Changes
# Additional Context
# Which Problems Are Solved
In many cases IAM was used where instance was meant.
# How the Problems Are Solved
- Rename wrong usage of IAM to instance all over the code base.
- Add an agents.md which explains the terms used in Zitadel's
architecture.
# Additional Context
- closes#11280
---------
Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: muhlemmer <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: Marco A. <[email protected]>
# Which Problems Are Solved
Naming inconsistencies - User (Human)
# How the Problems Are Solved
Most of the occurrences have not been changed. `User (Human)` was mostly
changed when talking about code objects and where I felt it was
necessary to distinguish them from machine users.
When both human and machine user occurrences were found, the machine
user has been changed to service account (see
https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/11285)
# Additional Context
- Closes#11284
---------
Co-authored-by: Wim Van Laer <[email protected]>
# Which Problems Are Solved
When starting Zitadel with Postgres version 18, setup fails with the
following error:
`level=error msg="migration failed" caller=".../cmd/setup/setup.go:373"
code=0A000 detail= error="ERROR: partitioned tables cannot be unlogged
(SQLSTATE 0A000)" hint= message="partitioned tables cannot be unlogged"
name=34_add_cache_schema severity=ERROR`
# How the Problems Are Solved
- Modify setup step 34 to ensure compatibility with PostgreSQL 18 by
changing the creation of the partitioned tables to`LOGGED` tables but
keep the partitions `UNLOGGED`.
- Added an additional setup step which alters the table persistence of
the partitioned tables to `LOGGED`.
# Additional Changes
- Bumped Postgres compatibility to version 18 in docs.
- Ensure default partitions for cache tables
## Additional Context
- closes https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel/issues/10712
- backport to v4
- migration from PostgreSQL version 17 to 18 was verified using
`pg_dumpall` and restoring the created backup file
- and new setups using PostgreSQL version 18 directly
---------
Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>
## Todos for release
- [x] Configure Env in docs project on vercel
- [x] Configure Root Path in the docs project on vercel
- [ ] Remove old CSP https://github.com/zitadel/website/pull/1592
## What we did
This pull request migrates the project documentation from the old
`docs/` directory to the new `apps/docs/` directory, introduces a new
documentation system built with Next.js and Fumadocs, and updates all
relevant references, configuration files, and documentation to reflect
this change. It also adds new configuration and ignore files for the new
documentation app, updates CI and linting to exclude the new docs from
certain checks, and revises the contributing guidelines accordingly.
**Documentation System Migration and New Docs App**
* Migrated all documentation from `docs/` to `apps/docs/`, and updated
all references in `README.md`, `CONTRIBUTING.md`, and other files to
point to the new location.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-eca12c0a30e25b4b46522ebf89465a03ba72a03f540796c979137931d8f92055L585-L640)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-eca12c0a30e25b4b46522ebf89465a03ba72a03f540796c979137931d8f92055L660-R607)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-eca12c0a30e25b4b46522ebf89465a03ba72a03f540796c979137931d8f92055L740-R687)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-b335630551682c19a781afebcf4d07bf978fb1f8ac04c6bf87428ed5106870f5L2-R3)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-b335630551682c19a781afebcf4d07bf978fb1f8ac04c6bf87428ed5106870f5L30-R30)
* Added a new Next.js/Fumadocs-based documentation app under
`apps/docs/`, including core app files, layouts, routing, search API,
and a comprehensive `README.md` with development and contribution
instructions.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-5a1b07344a2c1b4d3f37b23ff1388b62cd9f57dea3c1cd23d8a0412b7602b132R1-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-462b9ad1eabbb7d1c29bb9c36e4931eb180fd7190900e6d2babf8f4d66ad1c28R1-R39)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-e16ae25660ded787b10ac35dea96d5ecaacf895dae0afc8a9bd4382dc79a8c87R1-R7)
[apps/docs/app/[[...slug]]/layout.tsxR1-R81](diffhunk://#diff-59e08acde4e805b7aeccef1dcf98f1d71dfc550777e6b9402085cee0e9fa4e0aR1-R81),
[apps/docs/app/[[...slug]]/page.tsxR1-R79](diffhunk://#diff-e5df3f80d0fa01e12d63d81f29c57a9d14e846c78fd3beabb2ef768e38fd9580R1-R79),
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-389b34918e040cacaa87cd7201ffa462cc2b0b716736f537e3d3c660ac69353bR1-R7)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-d3b03416d1c457b19f1c27b26f2db741412df841b875c26ccadc36e4522247f4R1-R29)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-c8fb8339570a5305809be7c618e14705fd86390dc278e6ce8ba224a7bc8b0c3cR1-R25)
**Configuration and Tooling Updates**
* Updated `.github/workflows/codeql.yml`, `.golangci.yaml`, and
`.github/dependabot.yml` to properly handle the new docs app: excluded
`apps/docs` from certain checks, added npm dependency updates for the
docs app, and excluded generated content.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-12783128521e452af0cfac94b99b8d250413c516ec71fe6d97dbea666ff7ba27L8-R14)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-9917ddc9f1c3304218f7269265b746d997c5c0615478177b5fceecd33ef47cb5R5-R6)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-9917ddc9f1c3304218f7269265b746d997c5c0615478177b5fceecd33ef47cb5R126-R129)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-dd4fbda47e51f1e35defb9275a9cd9c212ecde0b870cba89ddaaae65c5f3cd28R89-R106)
* Updated `.devcontainer/devcontainer.json` to use the latest Go 1.25.3
version for consistency.
**Licensing and Miscellaneous**
* Added `apps/docs/` to the list of licensed directories in
`LICENSING.md`.
These changes ensure the documentation is now maintained in a modern,
scalable system and all project tooling is updated to support the new
structure.
---------
Co-authored-by: Federico Coppede <[email protected]>
Federico CoppedeandGitHub
Mridang AgarwallaandGitHub
Wim Van LaerandGitHub
Marco A.andGitHub
