How to use the Dokku VPS template
Dokku is an open-source Platform as a Service (PaaS) that simplifies application deployment using Docker containers. Installing the Dokku template on your VPS allows you to easily manage and deploy applications.
If you dont have a VPS yet, check the available options here:Dokku VPS hosting?
Heres a step-by-step guide to get you started, with a sample Getting Started Ruby App:
Step 1: Connect to Your VPS
Use SSH to access your VPS. Open your terminal and run:
<code>ssh root@your_vps_ip</code>
Replace
your_vps_ipwith yourVPSs IP address. Enter your VPS password when prompted.Step 2: Verify Dokku Installation
After logging in, ensure Dokku is installed by checking its version:?
<code>dokku version</code>
If Dokku is installed correctly, this command will display the installed version.
Step 3: Finish configuring Dokku for VPS
you can use any domain you already have access to, this domain should have an A record or CNAMEpointing at your servers IP:
<code>dokku domains:set-global example.vps</code>
or you can also use the IP of your server:
<code>dokku domains:set-global 222.222.22.22</code>
On yourlocal machine(not VPS) run:
<code>cat ~/.ssh/your_key.pub | ssh root@your_vps_ip dokku ssh-keys:add name</code>
replace
your_key.pubwith your local SSH public key,your_vps_ipwith your VPS IP andnamewith a preferred name. Enter your VPS password when prompted.Step 4: Create a Dokku Application
Download Ruby Getting Started application on yourlocal machine:
<code>git clone https://github.com/heroku/ruby-getting-started</code>
Return to yourVPS terminaland run this command:
<code>dokku apps:create ruby-getting-started</code>
This initializes an app on Dokku with the specified name (replace
ruby-getting-startedwith your desired app name)Dokku by defaultdoes notprovide datastores (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL) on a newly created app.
The Getting Started app requires a PostgreSQL service, so install the plugin and create the related service as follows:
<code>sudo dokku plugin:install https://github.com/dokku/dokku-postgres.git</code>
After that, run the following:
<code>dokku postgres:create railsdatabase</code>
Replace
railsdatabasewith a preferred name.Then link your app with a database:
<code>dokku postgres:link railsdatabase ruby-getting-started</code>
On yourlocal machinerun:
<code>cd ruby-getting-startedgit remote add dokku dokku@your_vps_ip:your_application_namegit push dokku main</code>
Replace
your_vps_ipwith a your VPS IP address andyour_application_namewith your created application name.Note: the remote usernamemustbe dokku or pushes will fail
After running
git push dokku main, it should start building the app and give you a domain or IP address to enter your app.Step 5: Access Your Application
Once Dokku completes the build and deployment, your app should be accessible at:
http://your_server_ip:portif you dont have a domain set up.http://your_app_name.yourdomain.comif youve configured a domain for Dokku.You can also check the terminal and search for the Application deployed:
http://your_server_ip:portThat it! Your Getting Started application is ready to be accessed!
For comprehensive documentation and advanced configurations, visit theDokku Documentation.
