Welcome to the world of Dokku, often referred to as the “Docker powered mini-Heroku.” It’s a Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution that simplifies the process of deploying and managing web applications using Docker. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Dokku on your server, configure it for usage, and troubleshoot common issues.

Requirements Before You Begin

• A fresh VM running any of the following operating systems:
  • Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, or 24.04 (amd64 or arm64)
  • Debian 11+ (amd64 or arm64)
• An SSH keypair to facilitate the application deployment. If available prior to installation, it will import automatically. If not, you can add it later using dokku ssh-keys:add.

Installation Steps

Now that you’re geared up, follow these steps to install Dokku:

wget -NP . https://dokku.com/install/v0.35.4/bootstrap.sh
sudo DOKKU_TAG=v0.35.4 bash bootstrap.sh

After running these commands, you can proceed to configure your server domain through:

dokku domains:set-global YOUR_DOMAIN

And to manage user access:

dokku ssh-keys:add YOUR_KEY_NAME

If you prefer a more automated installation, check out the unattended installation method.

Understanding the Installation Process with an Analogy

Think of installing Dokku as setting up a new coffee shop. First, you need a storefront (your VM), and it should be in a good location (the right operating system). The SSH keypair is like your security pass for accessing the shop late at night (deployment permissions). Finally, the commands you run to install Dokku are equivalent to stocking your shelves and ensuring you have the coffee machine ready to brew your first cup!

Upgrading Dokku

When new versions come out, you can upgrade your existing installation by following the instructions laid out in the Dokku upgrading documentation.

Documentation and Support

Full documentation is available online to assist you. Head over to the Dokku documentation site for all the advanced installation details and guides. Should you encounter any difficulties, consider using GitHub Issues or consult the troubleshooting guide. You may also join the community on Gliderlabs Slack in the #dokku channel.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might face regarding Dokku and solutions to resolve them:

• Installation not proceeding: Ensure you are running the commands with sudo access and have the correct operating system.
• SSH configuration problems: Check if your SSH key is correctly installed, and ensure you’re using the correct command to add keys.
• Domain issues: Ensure that your server domain is correctly set and pointed to your Dokku instance.

For deeper insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.