Part 1: Installing and Configuring the Base Ubuntu Server

Welcome to Part 1 of my multi-part series on setting up a headless Ubuntu home lab server tailored for developers. This post covers the installation of Ubuntu Server, setting up your development environment, and installing essential tools to get started.

💡 This setup is intended for a personal home lab, not a production environment.

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🖥️ Step 1: Install Ubuntu Server

1. Download the ISO: Grab the latest Ubuntu Server ISO.

2. Create a bootable USB with the ISO downloaded. How to do this step differs with different operating systems.

3. Boot and Install:

   • Insert the USB drive into your server and boot from it.

   • Follow the on-screen instructions.

   • During installation:

     • Choose to install OpenSSH Server.

     • Select Use SSH via GitHub (adds your GitHub keys to enable SSH).

🔐 Ensure your GitHub account has your SSH public keys added before installation.

4. Static IP Recommendation:
   Assign a static IP for your server in your router (outside the DHCP range).

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🔄 Step 2: Update the System

Run the following to make sure the system is up-to-date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

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🧰 Step 3: Install Programming Languages & Frameworks

Create a setup script to install all your preferred tools in one go.

1. Create Setup Directory and Script

mkdir ~/setup
nano ~/setup/install_from_file.sh

Paste the following into the file:

#!/bin/bash

# Java Runtime Environment
sudo apt install -y default-jre

# Python and Pip
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-venv python3-debugpy

# NodeJS
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_23.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

# Golang
sudo apt install -y golang

# Lua
sudo apt install -y lua5.4 luarocks

# .NET SDK
wget https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/$(lsb_release -rs)/packages-microsoft-prod.deb -O packages-microsoft-prod.deb
sudo dpkg -i packages-microsoft-prod.deb
sudo apt update
sudo apt install dotnet-sdk-8.0 -y

# Sqlite3
sudo apt install -y sqlite3

2. Make It Executable and Run

chmod +x ~/setup/install_from_file.sh
sudo ~/setup/install_from_file.sh

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🔍 Step 4: Verify Installations

Check the versions to verify the tools are installed:

java --version
python3 --version
pip3 --version
node -v
npm -v
go version
dotnet --list-sdks

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🔄 Step 5: Install and Configure Git & GitHub SSH

1. Verify Git Installation

sudo apt install -y git
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

2. Create SSH Key and Add to GitHub

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "you@example.com"
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Copy the output and add it to GitHub:

• GitHub → Profile → Settings → SSH and GPG keys → New SSH Key

• Title: Homelab - <your-server-hostname>

• Paste key and save

Now you can git clone via SSH securely. The same steps could be repeated for Bitbucket or other source control tools if required.

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In the next part, we'll install essential terminal tools and boost productivity with a custom shell setup, Neovim, TMUX, and more.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Essential Terminal Tools for Productivity!

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Have questions or feedback? Drop a comment below or reach out via GitHub.