Keycloak is a robust, open-source identity and access management solution for modern applications. It supports single sign-on (SSO), social login, user management, and more. This guide walks you through the installation and initial setup of Keycloak.

1. Prerequisites

Before installing Keycloak, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Windows.
• Java: JDK 11 or later installed on your system.
• Database: Keycloak supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and others (optional for development).
• Browser: A modern browser for accessing the Keycloak admin console.

2. Steps to Install Keycloak

Step 1: Download Keycloak

Download the latest version of Keycloak from the official Keycloak website.

wget https://github.com/keycloak/keycloak/releases/download/{version}/keycloak-{version}.zip
    

Replace {version} with the desired version number.

Step 2: Extract the Archive

Extract the downloaded file:

unzip keycloak-{version}.zip -d /opt/keycloak
cd /opt/keycloak
    

Step 3: Configure Keycloak

Set up the initial configuration:

• Edit the keycloak.conf file for database connection (if using an external database).
• Set the admin user credentials by running:

bin/kc.sh bootstrap-admin user --bootstrap-admin-username admin --bootstrap-admin-password password

Step 4: Start Keycloak

Start the Keycloak server:

bin/kc.sh start
    

Keycloak will be available at http://localhost:8080.

or check this if Keycloak Behind NGINX Reverse Proxy

or change default port of keycloak

3. Accessing the Admin Console

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080/admin. Log in using the admin username and password you configured earlier.

4. Post-Installation Configuration

• Create a Realm: Realms are isolated environments within Keycloak. Create one for your application.
• Set Up Clients: Clients represent applications that use Keycloak for authentication. Add your applications under the Clients section.
• Configure Users: Add users manually or integrate with external identity providers.
• Integrate with Databases: Configure Keycloak to use MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other supported databases.

5. Best Practices

• Secure your Keycloak instance with HTTPS.
• Regularly update Keycloak to the latest version.
• Use external databases for production environments.
• Enable backups and disaster recovery mechanisms.

6. Conclusion

Installing Keycloak is straightforward and sets the foundation for secure, centralized identity management. By following this guide, you can quickly set up Keycloak for authentication, SSO, and user management. Tailor your configuration to suit your application needs for a seamless integration.