In this article, we’ll follow the steps from Vultr’s official documentation to set up Apache ActiveMQ on Ubuntu 20.04. Whether you’re new to message brokers or an experienced developer, this walkthrough will help you get ActiveMQ running smoothly on your server.
Why Use Apache ActiveMQ?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why so many developers prefer ActiveMQ:
- Cross-platform compatibility – Works on multiple operating systems.
- Protocol flexibility – Supports several messaging protocols for varied needs.
- Performance and scalability – Handles thousands of concurrent connections.
- Open-source – Free to use, modify, and integrate.
- Active community – Plenty of resources and support are available.
Prerequisites for Installation
Before learning how to install ActiveMQ, make sure you have the following:
- Ubuntu 20.04 server – Deployed via Vultr or any preferred hosting provider.
- Root or sudo access – Required for installing and configuring software.
- Java installed – ActiveMQ needs Java 8 or higher to run.
Step-by-Step: How to Install ActiveMQ
The following steps are based on Vultr’s detailed guide:
1. Update Your Server
Ensure your system packages are up to date:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install Java
Apache ActiveMQ is built on Java, so install the default JDK:
sudo apt install default-jdk -y
Verify Java installation:
java -version
3. Download ActiveMQ
Fetch the latest ActiveMQ release using wget:
wget https://downloads.apache.org/activemq/5.17.5/apache-activemq-5.17.5-bin.tar.gz
4. Extract and Move ActiveMQ
Unpack and move it to the /opt directory:
tar -xvzf apache-activemq-5.17.5-bin.tar.gz
sudo mv apache-activemq-5.17.5 /opt/activemq
5. Start ActiveMQ
Navigate to the bin directory and start the service:
cd /opt/activemq/bin
./activemq start
6. Access the Web Console
Once ActiveMQ is running, open a browser and visit:
http://your_server_ip:8161/admin
Default login is admin/admin. For security, change these credentials immediately.
Post-Installation Recommendations
After installing ActiveMQ, consider these additional steps:
- Enable SSL – Encrypt communications for security.
- Change default credentials – Prevent unauthorized access.
- Enable auto-start – Configure ActiveMQ to run on system boot.
- Monitor usage – Use built-in tools or external monitoring for performance tracking.
Why Follow Vultr’s Documentation?
When learning how to install ActiveMQ, accuracy matters. Vultr’s guide ensures compatibility with Ubuntu 20.04, providing exact commands and explanations. It reduces trial-and-error and helps you get a working setup faster.
Conclusion
Apache ActiveMQ is a robust, scalable, and flexible messaging solution for applications of all sizes. With Vultr’s official documentation as your guide, setting it up on Ubuntu 20.04 becomes straightforward and efficient.
By following these steps, you now know how to install ActiveMQ securely and effectively. Whether you’re building a microservices architecture, integrating enterprise systems, or managing data streams, ActiveMQ provides the messaging backbone you need.
Bookmark this guide so you can return to it whenever you need a quick, reliable reference for installing ActiveMQ on any Ubuntu 20.04 server.