What is Dokku?
Dokku is an open-source, Docker-powered platform as a service for building and managing the lifecycle of applications. It provides a Heroku-like experience on infrastructure operated by the user, with deployment through Git pushes, archives, or Docker images.
Applications can be built using Dockerfiles, Heroku-compatible buildpacks, Cloud Native Buildpacks, and other documented builders. Dokku also provides controls for environment variables, domains, HTTPS, application logs, persistent storage, process management, and resource limits. Plugins extend its functionality.
Installation requires a fresh virtual machine running a supported Ubuntu or Debian release, access to sudo, and an SSH keypair for deployment. Operators configure server access and domains and remain responsible for maintaining the host and planning backup and recovery.
Key capabilities
- Git-push deployments of Heroku-compatible apps
- Builds with Heroku buildpacks
- Isolated container runtime for each app
- Plugin system, with plugins in any language
- Command-line management of domains and SSH keys
- Full documentation with installation guides
Where Dokku fits
Dokku fits development and operations workflows that need application deployment on a team's own server rather than a managed hosting service. Its deployment methods and CI documentation allow it to serve as the deployment target in an existing delivery pipeline.
Before deployment, teams should verify host operating system compatibility, SSH access, domain and HTTPS configuration, and application build requirements. Persistent storage, resource limits, datastore dependencies, and backup and recovery procedures also need review.
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