FreelanceERP (ferp)

FreelanceERP (ferp) is a minimalist ERP for freelancers.
A lightweight Node.js application with an Express backend and a plain JavaScript frontend.
It manages clients, invoices, and payments with an embedded SQLite database — no external dependencies required.

Docker image: zabradocker/ferp:1.0.0
Goal: simplicity, portability, autonomy.

Designed as a lightweight alternative to tools like Akaunting or InvoiceShelf — ideal for independent IT freelancers who prefer control and speed over complexity.

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🐳 Run

You can quickly test the app using the published Docker image:

docker run --name ferp -dit -p 3001:3001 zabradocker/ferp:1.0.0

Or Or use the provided docker-compose.yaml:

docker-compose up -d

Then access the app at http://localhost:3001

Environment Variables

Optional environment variables (with defaults):

PORT=3001
DB_DIR=/opt/data
JSON_SIZE_LIMIT=16mb
#
ERP_AUTH_USER=admin
ERP_AUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
ERP_AUTH_EMAIL=admin@freelance-erp.local
#
SESSION_SECRET=change-this-secret-key-in-production
NODE_ENV= # production or dev

🔐 Security - mTLS

If you expose the app over the internet, consider using certificate-based authentication (mTLS) to restrict access to trusted clients only.

If you’re using Traefik as a reverse proxy, enable it easily with: clientAuthType: RequireAndVerifyClientCert

Development

Run the app locally from the src directory.

1. Install Node.js >= 18

2. From the project directory:

# for development
npm install

# for production
npm install --omit=dev

3. (Optional) Create a .env file (defaults shown):

PORT=3001
DB_DIR=./
JSON_SIZE_LIMIT=16mb
#
ERP_AUTH_USER=admin
ERP_AUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
ERP_AUTH_EMAIL=admin@freelance-erp.local
#
SESSION_SECRET=change-this-secret-key-in-production
NODE_ENV= # production or dev

4. Run the app

npm run start