Build your own community on the web enabling discussions on multiple topics. A web based  forum is like a virtual round-table conference, where people can participate and interact with each other.

Sharing here 12 open source forum applications, which will help you launch your own forum in an easy and hassle free manner.

phpBB

It is the most popular open source PHP forum application. Its modular design and easy to use administration panel makes it very easy for people to create their forums. phpBB also offers support for unlimited levels of sub-forums. In addition to this, phpBB also supports multiple database management systems, including MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Firebird, OpenLink Virtuoso, and other ODBC-accessible DBMS.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a lightweight Content Management System that focuses on speed, portability and reliability, making it an ideal CMS solution. Its WYSIWYG editor lets you create sidebars on the fly and its smart tagging allows for custom metadata and easy data insertion. Vanilla’s media gallery offers you with bulk upload option, drag and drop sorting of content and a built-in file management interface.

bbPress

bbPress features complete documentation, plugins directory and an active community. Easy to customize, bbPress has a good URL structure that is beneficial for SEO.

SMF: Simple Machines Forum

It is a powerful forum script that lets you integrate and connect your forum with various CMS such as, e107, Mambo, Xoops and iGamingCMS. The SSI( Server Side Includes) lets you interact your website and forum easily. Also, SMF supports multiple languages and has an advanced permission and user management.

SEO-Board

SEO-Board is search engine friendly forum that offers features like anti-spam protection, multi-language, bsic BBCode, RSS/Atom and many others. It comes with simple interfaces and doesn’t have fancy features. It is free for both personal and commercial use.

PunBB

It is a lightweight PHP-powered discussion board that offers an extensions repository from where you can download, install and add extra functionality to your forum.

Phorum

This pure HTML template system is easy to understand and designers can create templates that meet the client requirements. It possesses a very flexible hook and module system that allows developers to easily create modules for customization.

IceBB

Offering a powerful admin control center and the PHP skinning system, IceBB lets you customize the look and feel of your forum easily. It offers private messages system, search, inline moderation and multi-quote in your forum. Also, you can have unlimited subforums with IceBB.

UseBB

It is a ligh open source PHP4 and MySQL based forum application that is ideal for small to medium sized websites which need a clear and efficient forum package.

XMB: eXtreme Message Board

Its easy to use Member Management system, theming interface and anti-spam image verification system helps you get your message board up and running in minutes.

LimeDomains helps you install discussion forum applications like phpBB and Vanilla in just a single click.