Deploy Dokku

A docker-powered PaaS that helps you build and manage the lifecycle of applications

⭐ 31.9k stars📜 MIT License🔴 Advanced⏱ ~20 minutes

What You’ll Get

A fully working Dokku instance running on your server. Your data stays on your hardware — no third-party access, no usage limits, no surprise invoices.

Prerequisites

A server with Docker and Docker Compose installed (setup guide)
A domain name pointed to your server (optional but recommended)
Basic terminal access (SSH)

The Config

Create a directory for Dokku and add this docker-compose.yml:


# -------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 🚀 Created and distributed by The AltStack
# 🌍 https://thealtstack.com
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
version: '3.8'
 
services:
  dokku:
    image: dokku/dokku:latest
    container_name: dokku
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "80:80"
      - "443:443"
      - "22:22"

Let’s Ship It


# Create a directory
mkdir -p /opt/dokku && cd /opt/dokku
 
# Create the docker-compose.yml (paste the config above)
nano docker-compose.yml
 
# Pull images and start
docker compose up -d
 
# Watch the logs
docker compose logs -f

Post-Deployment Checklist

Service is accessible on the configured port
Admin account created (if applicable)
Reverse proxy configured (Caddy guide)
SSL/HTTPS working
Backup script set up (backup guide)
Uptime monitor added (Uptime Kuma)

The “I Broke It” Section

Container won’t start?


docker compose logs dokku | tail -50

Port already in use?


# Find what's using the port
lsof -i :PORT_NUMBER

Need to start fresh?


docker compose down -v  # ⚠️ This deletes volumes/data!
docker compose up -d