How to Install Kiwi TCMS using Docker: Complete Guide for QA Professionals

---

Introduction to Kiwi TCMS

In today’s fast-paced software development world, quality assurance (QA) teams need efficient tools to manage test cases and ensure reliable releases. Among the many test case management systems available, Kiwi TCMS stands out as an open-source, web-based platform designed for modern QA workflows.

Deploying Kiwi TCMS using Docker makes installation, configuration, and maintenance seamless, even for large teams. In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through the Kiwi TCMS Docker Installation process while sharing tips to help QA professionals get started quickly.

---

What is Kiwi TCMS?

Kiwi TCMS is an open-source test case management system that helps QA teams organize test plans, manage test runs, track results, and integrate with CI/CD pipelines. It offers:

• A web-based user interface for managing test cases

• REST APIs for automation

• Integrations with popular tools like Jenkins, GitHub, and Bugzilla

• Real-time reporting and dashboards

---

Why QA Professionals Use Kiwi TCMS

QA engineers choose Kiwi TCMS because it:

• Centralizes test management in one accessible platform

• Improves collaboration between testers, developers, and product owners

• Supports agile workflows and automation testing pipelines

• Reduces overhead by being lightweight and easy to deploy

---

Benefits of Using Docker for Kiwi TCMS

Using Docker simplifies Kiwi TCMS deployment in multiple ways:

• Portability: Run Kiwi TCMS consistently across environments.

• Quick Setup: No need to configure dependencies manually.

• Isolation: Avoid conflicts with other applications.

• Scalability: Spin up additional instances if required.

---

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before diving into the installation steps, make sure your system is prepared.

System Requirements

To run Kiwi TCMS in Docker smoothly, you’ll need:

• A machine running Linux/macOS/Windows with WSL2

• At least 2 GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores

• Latest Docker Engine and Docker Compose installed

Verifying Docker and Docker Compose Installation

Check if Docker is installed and running:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

If both return valid versions, you’re good to go!

---

Step-by-Step Kiwi TCMS Docker Installation

Step 1: Create a Project Directory

mkdir ~/kiwi-tcms
cd ~/kiwi-tcms

This ensures a dedicated workspace for configuration and data storage.

---

Step 2: Download the Docker Compose Configuration

Kiwi TCMS provides a ready-to-use docker-compose.yml file.

Option A: Direct Download

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kiwitcms/Kiwi/master/docker-compose.yml

Option B: Create Manually

If you prefer, create a file named docker-compose.yml and copy the default configuration from the official Kiwi TCMS GitHub repository.

---

Step 3: Start Kiwi TCMS Containers

Navigate to the project directory and run:

docker compose up -d

This will:

• Pull the required Docker images

• Start Kiwi TCMS and MariaDB containers

• Set up persistent volumes for database storage

---

Step 4: Verify Services are Running

docker compose ps
docker compose logs -f

These commands help confirm that the containers are running without errors.

---

Step 5: Perform Initial Configuration

Before using Kiwi TCMS, you must initialize the system:

docker exec -it kiwi_web /Kiwi/manage.py initial_setup

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Username (e.g., namelastname)

• Email (name.lastname@company.com)

• Password (minimum 10 characters)

• Domain name (e.g., tms)

---

Step 6: Access Kiwi TCMS Dashboard

Once the setup is complete, open your browser:

• HTTPS (recommended): https://localhost

• HTTP: http://localhost (auto-redirects to HTTPS)

---

Special Considerations for macOS Users

Handling SSL Certificate Warnings

Since Kiwi TCMS uses a self-signed SSL certificate, Safari/Chrome will display a warning. To resolve:

1. Select Advanced → Proceed anyway

2. Install the certificate from https://localhost/static/ca.crt into your macOS keychain

---

Firewall and Network Troubleshooting

If you face connectivity issues, verify:

• macOS Firewall settings under System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall

• Docker network configuration

---

Best Practices for Kiwi TCMS Deployment

• Secure your instance by updating default settings and using strong passwords

• Manage user accounts with role-based access

• Automate backups using Docker volumes and scheduled tasks

---

Common Errors and Troubleshooting Tips

• Containers won’t start: Run docker compose logs to diagnose issues

• Database errors: Ensure MariaDB is running and accessible

• SSL issues: Reinstall the certificate or use a trusted CA

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Kiwi TCMS best used for?
A: It’s best for managing test cases, test runs, and QA team workflows.

Q2. Can Kiwi TCMS integrate with CI/CD tools?
A: Yes, it integrates with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and Bugzilla.

Q3. Is Docker mandatory for Kiwi TCMS?
A: No, but Docker is the simplest and most reliable method of installation.

Q4. How do I back up my Kiwi TCMS data?
A: Use Docker volumes and regular docker export commands.

Q5. Does Kiwi TCMS support multiple users?
A: Yes, it supports role-based access for QA teams of any size.

Q6. How do I update Kiwi TCMS in Docker?
A: Pull the latest image and restart containers with docker compose up -d.

---

Conclusion: Why Kiwi TCMS Docker Installation is Ideal for QA Teams

Deploying Kiwi TCMS using Docker is a fast, secure, and scalable approach that suits QA professionals of all experience levels. From installation to SSL handling, this guide equips you with everything needed to get started.

By combining the power of Docker with the flexibility of Kiwi TCMS, your QA team can efficiently manage test cases, streamline workflows, and improve software quality.

---