Isso

A lightweight, self-hosted commenting server written in Python. Privacy-friendly alternative to Disqus — embed it on any static site or blog with a simple JavaScript snippet.

Getting Started

1. Visit your domain — open the Isso admin interface at https://<your-domain>/admin
2. Configure your site — set the ISSO_HOST environment variable to match the site embedding comments (e.g. https://example.com)
3. Embed the script — add this snippet to your site:

   <script data-isso="https://<your-isso-domain>/" src="https://<your-isso-domain>/js/embed.min.js"></script>
   <section id="isso-thread"></section>
   

4. Moderate comments — use the admin panel at /admin to review, approve, or delete comments

Key Features

• Lightweight commenting system with SQLite storage
• Markdown formatting in comments
• Nested replies and threading
• Anonymous commenting with optional email
• Upvote/downvote system
• Email notifications for new comments
• Gravatar support
• Admin panel for moderation
• Simple JavaScript embed — works with any static site
• No external database required

Environment Variables

Variable	Description
ISSO_HOST	The URL of the site embedding Isso comments (e.g. https://example.com)

License

MIT — GitHub