Dokploy: Your First Steps - Setup & Explore!

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Hey there, future Dokploy enthusiast! 👋 Ready to dive into the world of Dokploy and see what it's all about? This guide is your friendly starting point. We'll walk through setting up your development environment, exploring the platform, and even creating your first project. No worries if you're new; we'll break it down step by step. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started on this exciting journey! We are going to cover everything from the pre-requisites to the final project creation. Let's start with the basics, shall we?

Pre-requisites: Getting Your Ducks in a Row 🪶

Before we jump into the fun stuff, let's make sure we have everything we need. Think of this as gathering your tools before starting a project. We'll need a few key components to ensure everything runs smoothly. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward, and we'll guide you through it.

  • Node.js 20.16.0: This is the foundation for running Dokploy. Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that lets you execute JavaScript code outside a web browser. Make sure you have version 20.16.0 installed, which will ensure compatibility and avoid potential issues down the line. Installing the right version from the start saves a lot of headaches, trust me!
  • pnpm >= 9.5.0: pnpm is a fast, disk space-efficient package manager. It's like a supercharged version of npm or yarn, and it helps manage project dependencies efficiently. Version 9.5.0 or higher is recommended for the best experience. Package managers are crucial for installing all the necessary packages and libraries that Dokploy needs to function properly. This ensures that you have all the necessary components.
  • Docker Desktop: Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers. It simplifies the process of creating and managing applications. Docker Desktop provides an easy-to-use interface to manage Docker on your machine, whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Having Docker will make it so easy to work with Dokploy. We'll be using Docker to get everything up and running smoothly.

Once you have all these prerequisites installed, you're ready to move on. Let's continue on!

Objective: What We're Aiming For 🎯

The goal of this guide is to get you comfortable with Dokploy. Think of it as a guided tour of the platform. By the end, you'll be familiar with its features and how to navigate the developer environment. This hands-on experience will give you a solid foundation as you progress. Don't worry if you don't understand everything at first. The key is to get your hands dirty, explore, and learn as you go. With this objective, we are setting up a good foundation.

We will have you up and running in no time. We will get you to understand what's needed. We are going to make it simple and understandable. This is a journey to know the platform more. By the end, you will feel confident. Let's do this!

Steps to Complete: Your Roadmap to Dokploy Mastery 🗺️

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a Dokploy pro. Each step is designed to build upon the previous one, so try to go through them in order. Let's get started and see what is needed.

1. Explore Dokploy Documentation: Your Knowledge Base 📚

Before diving into the technical stuff, it's always a good idea to understand the basics. The Dokploy documentation is your best friend. It's packed with information about the platform's features, how to use them, and much more. Think of it as the ultimate guide to Dokploy. You will get to know a lot here.

  • Website: Head over to the official Dokploy website. This is where you'll find the latest news, updates, and general information about the platform.
  • Intro Videos: Watch the intro videos on the official website. These videos provide a visual overview of Dokploy. They're a great way to grasp the core concepts. You don't need to follow along; just watching will give you a good understanding.
  • Documentation: Dive into the detailed documentation. Here, you'll find in-depth explanations, tutorials, and examples. It's your go-to resource for understanding the specifics.

Familiarizing yourself with the documentation will save you time and help you understand the platform. It's like having a cheat sheet for all things Dokploy. So, take some time to browse and get acquainted. You will see how much there is to explore!

2. Setup Development Environment: Setting Up Your Workspace 💻

Now, it's time to set up your development environment. This involves cloning the Dokploy repository and installing the necessary dependencies. This will prepare your local machine to work with the Dokploy codebase. Follow these commands step by step, and you'll have everything ready to go. Let's get into the code!

Open your terminal and run the following commands:

git clone https://github.com/dokploy/dokploy.git
cd dokploy
pnpm install
cp apps/dokploy/.env.example apps/dokploy/.env
  • git clone https://github.com/dokploy/dokploy.git: This command clones the Dokploy repository from GitHub to your local machine. Think of it as downloading the entire project.
  • cd dokploy: This command changes your current directory to the dokploy directory, which you just cloned.
  • pnpm install: This command installs all the necessary dependencies for the project. pnpm will handle all the requirements.
  • cp apps/dokploy/.env.example apps/dokploy/.env: This command copies the example environment file and creates a .env file. This file contains environment variables that Dokploy needs to run.

These steps will set up your development environment and get you ready for the next phase. Now we are good to go!

3. Install Docker Desktop: The Containerization Powerhouse 🐳

If you haven't already, install Docker Desktop on your operating system. Docker Desktop makes it easy to run Dokploy. This step is critical for development. Docker Desktop is not difficult to install, so don't be afraid! If you're on Windows or macOS, downloading the installer from the Docker website is usually the easiest way. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Once installed, Docker Desktop will be your friend. Let's get into it!

While you could install Docker directly in shell environments, Docker Desktop is recommended for development. This provides a user-friendly interface for managing containers. It also handles many of the complexities of containerization behind the scenes.

After installation, ensure Docker Desktop is running. You should see the Docker icon in your system tray or menu bar. This indicates that Docker is ready to use. Having Docker Desktop simplifies a lot of things. Make sure to have it installed!

4. Install and Run Dokploy: Bringing Dokploy to Life ✨

Now, let's run Dokploy. This involves a few commands that will set up and start the Dokploy server. Execute these commands in your terminal, and watch the magic happen. These commands are the key to bringing Dokploy to life on your local machine. Get ready to launch!

Execute these commands:

pnpm run dokploy:setup
pnpm run server:script
pnpm run dokploy:dev
  • pnpm run dokploy:setup: This command sets up Dokploy by installing any necessary dependencies and configuring the environment.
  • pnpm run server:script: This command starts the server scripts, which are essential for running Dokploy. It initializes the Dokploy server.
  • pnpm run dokploy:dev: This command starts the Dokploy development server. You can access the UI in your web browser.

After running these commands, Dokploy should be up and running on your local machine. Now, you should be good to go!

5. Access Dokploy UI and Create User: Logging In and Getting Started 🔑

With Dokploy running, it's time to access the user interface and create your first user. This is where you'll interact with Dokploy. This step allows you to access Dokploy's features. We will set it up and access it. Make sure you follow along and don't miss a step!

  • Navigate to http://127.0.0.1:3000 in your browser: Open your web browser and go to this address. It will bring you to the Dokploy login page.
  • Register with the following credentials:
    • Username: admin
    • Email: [your email address]
    • Password: admin123

Use these credentials to create your user account. It's the first step to get in and access all the features. Remember these credentials, as you'll need them to log in.

If you previously set up a PostgreSQL database on your Dokploy instance, you may need to delete it first. Check the documentation if you run into any issues. After registration, proceed to the UI!

6. Explore the UI: Getting to Know Dokploy 🧭

Take your time to explore the Dokploy UI. Familiarize yourself with all the available features. This is where you'll get a feel for how Dokploy works and what it can do. Take your time, and don't rush through it. The more familiar you are with the UI, the easier contributing will be later.

Navigate through the different sections, and click on various options. This hands-on exploration is a great way to learn. You'll quickly understand how everything works together.

7. Create Your First Project: Your First Step 🚀

Creating your first project is a significant milestone. This step helps you apply your newfound knowledge. This is where you put your skills to the test. Let's create your first project. Now is your time to be creative!

In the Projects section, create a new project with:

  • Name: [YOUR-NAME]-hello-world (e.g., John-Doe-hello-world). This naming convention helps keep your projects organized.
  • Description: Share your current understanding of Dokploy and one thing you are most curious to learn about. This helps you document your progress and what you are looking forward to.

Make sure to fill out the project details correctly, and then create the project. You will then have your first project.

Submission Requirements: Show Us What You've Got 🎬

To complete this guide, you'll need to submit a screen recording. This is where you show off your work. This is important to complete the process. This helps us ensure that you've followed the steps. It also showcases your progress and lets you document your journey.

Upload a screen recording demonstrating:

  • User creation process
  • Project creation process
  • Filling out project name and description
  • Successfully creating the project

Use a tool like Cap.so to record your screen (use Studio mode). Export as an mp4 and drag and drop it into the comment below. This will help you document your work. So, you can come back and see what you have done!

Tips: Making the Journey Easier 💡

Here are some tips to help you succeed. They are helpful hints that can make the process go smoothly. They'll also help you get the most out of your Dokploy experience. Take these tips to heart, and you will do great!

  • Take time exploring the platform — understanding the UI now will make contributing easier later
  • Don't hesitate to ask questions if you get stuck
  • Document any issues you encounter for future improvements

Following these tips can help. Remember, we are all learning, so don't hesitate to ask for help!

Acceptance Criteria: Checking Your Progress ✅

To ensure you've completed this guide, here are the acceptance criteria. This is what we'll be looking for in your submission. Ensure you've met all criteria. This will help you track your progress. Let's review the final checklist to ensure everything is perfect!

  • Successfully set up development environment
  • Created user account in local Dokploy instance
  • Created first project with the proper naming convention
  • Submitted screen recording showing all required steps
  • Explored and understood basic Dokploy features

That's it, guys! You've made it through the guide. Now it's your turn to shine! Good luck, and have fun exploring Dokploy. We are so happy you are here!