Prepare the Server
Install Dokku (5-10 minutes)
Run the bootstrap script to install Dokku and its dependencies. For example:
bash
wget https://dokku.com/install/v0.35.16/bootstrap.sh sudo DOKKU_TAG=v0.35.16 bash bootstrap.sh
Ensure nginx is properly installed and configured.
Set Up SSH Keys and Virtualhost Settings
Deploy Applications (10-20 minutes per app)
Push your code to Dokku using Git (git push dokku master). Dokku will build and deploy the app automatically.
Set Up Databases (Optional, 10-15 minutes)
Install a plugin for database support (e.g., PostgreSQL):
bash
sudo dokku plugin:install https://github.com/dokku/dokku-postgres.git postgres
Create and link the database to your app:
bash
dokku postgres:create <db-name> dokku postgres:link <db-name> <app-name>
Dokku can be customized to fit specific business needs. Here are the key data points explaining how:
Plugin System: Dokku has a modular plugin system that allows users to extend its functionality. Plugins can be written in any language and shared with the community, enabling features like database integration, SSL management, and custom deployment processes.
Docker Options: The Docker options plugin enables users to specify custom container options at various deployment phases (e.g., build, deploy, run), allowing fine-grained control over container behavior.
Custom Deployment: Dokku supports custom deployment workflows via Dockerfiles or Heroku Buildpacks, enabling businesses to tailor deployments to their specific requirements.
Environment Variables and Configurations: Users can configure environment variables and app-specific settings to align with their operational needs.
Custom Domains and Proxy Management: Flexible domain name configurations and customizable Nginx proxy settings allow businesses to adapt Dokku for unique hosting setups.
Multi-App Support: Dokku can host multiple applications on a single server, making it suitable for businesses managing several projects.
Scalability: While primarily single-host, Dokku can be adapted for more complex setups by using load balancers or multiple servers.
Database Integration: Plugins for databases like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redis allow seamless backend integration.
Cost-Effectiveness: Since Dokku is open-source and self-hosted, it reduces dependency on expensive managed PaaS solutions.
Dokku offers various forms of training and support to help new users get started and troubleshoot issues:
Comprehensive Guides: The official Dokku documentation provides detailed instructions for installation, configuration, deployment, and advanced usage.
Getting Started: Step-by-step tutorials guide users through the initial setup, SSH key configuration, and deploying their first application.
Advanced Topics: Includes guides on plugins, customizations, and troubleshooting common issues.
GitHub Issues: Users can report bugs or ask questions directly on the Dokku GitHub repository.
Slack Community: Join the Gliderlabs Slack in the #dokku channel for real-time discussions and support from the community.
OpenCollective Sponsors: Dokku acknowledges community backers who provide ongoing support for its development.
Codementor Platform: Users can hire freelance Dokku experts for live sessions or project-specific assistance.
Dokku implements several security measures to protect data and applications. Below are the key features and practices:
Role-Based Access Control: Administrators can limit access by configuring user roles and permissions.
Environment Variable Management: Sensitive data like passwords or API keys can be securely stored as environment variables instead of embedding them in the codebase.
Backup Encryption: Plugins like Dokku Postgres allow encryption of database backups using custom encryption keys.
Built-in SSL Management: Dokku supports SSL certificates through the certs plugin, enabling secure HTTPS connections for applications.
Wildcard Certificates: It encourages using wildcard certificates for multi-domain applications, simplifying management.
Automatic Updates: Dokku includes mechanisms for keeping the software updated to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Firewall Configuration: Users can harden server security by configuring firewalls to restrict unnecessary ports and protocols.
Plugin Safety: Administrators are advised to use trusted plugins and regularly review them for vulnerabilities.
Logging and Monitoring: Tools like Fail2Ban can be integrated to detect brute-force attacks, while centralized logging helps identify security incidents quickly.
Secure Protocols: Dokku recommends using HTTPS and SSH for all connections to ensure encrypted communication.
Dokku releases updates at most every three weeks, though releases may occur more frequently depending on the need for fixes or new features:
Versioning:
Dokku follows semantic versioning (semver).
Breaking changes require a minor release (pre-stable) or a major release (post-stable), while non-breaking changes require patch releases.
Release Workflow:
Updates are prepared by changing version references across multiple files (e.g., documentation, installer scripts).
A changelog is created in HISTORY.md summarizing new features, bug fixes, and documentation changes.
Tags are created for each release, and Debian packages are built and uploaded to repositories like Packagecloud.
The dokku-update binary simplifies the upgrade process, automating many steps for users on supported systems.
Dokku is an open-source Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution, and its core software is freely available under the MIT license. However, for commercial use, particularly with Dokku Pro, specific licensing terms apply.
License Duration: The Dokku Pro license is perpetual and does not expire.
License Scope: The license permits use on one production server and up to two pre-production servers. For broader use, volume licensing is available upon request.
Commercial Use: Commercial use is allowed without royalty payments.
License Restrictions:
The license is personal, non-assignable, and non-transferable.
Licensees may not translate, reverse engineer, decompile, or modify the software.
Redistribution is limited to one distribution per original license and must be in binary form as part of a larger work.
Termination Conditions: The license can be terminated if the licensee:
Becomes insolvent or enters liquidation.
Exports the software to jurisdictions where enforcement is not possible.
Breaches any license terms and fails to cure the breach upon notification.
Engages in activities that prevent the licensor from enforcing their rights under the license.
Payment Terms: Payment is required for the license, and failure to pay constitutes a material breach of the agreement.
Updates and Support:
The licensor may provide updates, upgrades, or fixes at their discretion.
There is no obligation for the licensor to provide support, updates, or maintenance.
Dokku is an open-source Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution allowing developers to deploy and manage applications on their infrastructure. As such, Dokku itself does not inherently comply with specific regulatory standards like HIPAA or GDPR. Compliance with such standards depends on how Dokku is configured and used within your environment.
While Dokku does not provide built-in compliance certifications, it offers features that can help you build a compliant infrastructure:
SSL/TLS Support: Dokku supports SSL certificates, including Let's Encrypt, allowing you to secure data in transit.
Health Checks: You can configure health checks to monitor application status, which is useful for maintaining high availability.
Continuous Integration: Dokku uses GitHub Actions for continuous integration, ensuring that code changes are tested before deployment.
Dokku is self-hosted, achieving compliance with standards like HIPAA, GDPR, or SOC 2 is the responsibility of the user. This includes configuring the underlying infrastructure, implementing necessary security controls, and maintaining documentation and audit trails as required by the specific compliance standards.
