Docker on a VPS: everything you need to get started

With Docker on a VPS, you can make software development and launching new applications easier than ever. A VPS is easy to set up and scale, and with Docker, it becomes even more efficient since you can use the power of containers to run multiple isolated applications with fewer resources. 

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using Docker on a VPS and the system requirements you must keep in mind. 

What is Docker?

Docker is a container platform that makes running applications on a VPS in containers simple. Docker is highly scalable and can be run on everything from small systems with just a few applications, to large cloud instances for big enterprises. Docker containers can also be easily transferred between systems to make development and testing easier. 

A container is an isolated application that can run without being affected by bugs, crashes, and security vulnerabilities in other applications running on the same system. Containers are more efficient than other methods for isolating applications, since containers share the same kernel and can share common files. 

What is a VPS?

A VPS is a server that shares hardware with other virtual servers. It provides users with the flexibility of a dedicated server while being cheaper and often easier to manage. Since a virtual server shares resources with multiple users, it also shares the server’s cost. And because resources are distributed virtually, it’s straightforward for users to add more CPU cores, RAM, and storage. This makes a VPS both cheaper and more flexible than a traditional server. 

If you want the flexibility of a VPS but don’t want to put time and effort into updating and managing it, you can use a managed VPS. With a managed VPS, the service provider handles security, updates, and all the basic maintenance, so you don’t have to. 

Why run Docker on a VPS? 

There are many advantages to running Docker on a VPS. Here are five of the most important benefits you should be aware of. 

1. Efficient

Compared to using virtual machines, Docker is more efficient. A virtual machine includes an operating system that requires dedicated resources. This means a virtual machine demands more CPU resources, RAM, and storage than a Docker container. Because multiple containers can share the kernel and even share large files between them, resource requirements can be significantly reduced, making Docker considerably cheaper to use. 

2. Fast and scalable

A container can be easily moved between systems and scaled up when needed. This means that an application that suddenly receives unexpectedly high traffic can be scaled up in a matter of seconds. It makes it simple to efficiently share resources between applications. The combination of Docker and a VPS can be especially powerful because a VPS makes it easy to quickly increase resources for a server. 

3. Reliable deployment

With a Docker configuration, testing software and launching it without nasty surprises is easy. Because containers are standardised, you can easily run an application on your own computer or another VPS and then move the container without running into problems. With other solutions, it’s common for small and unexpected differences between systems to change functionality or introduce bugs. You can avoid that with Docker. 

4. Higher security

Although Docker does not provide the same level of isolation between applications as virtual machines, containers are still isolated. This means a vulnerability in one container cannot easily spread to others. You can further enhance security with configuration profiles such as AppArmor or SELinux. In short, Docker is a much safer way to run applications than running them on the same operating system without containers. 

5. Develop quickly

Docker is an ideal container platform for developers who want to test applications. If something goes wrong with an update, it’s easy to quickly revert to an earlier version. This makes development faster and more efficient, and it minimises downtime. As a developer, you can save time and develop more swiftly by rapidly detecting and fixing issues with Docker. 

Disadvantages of Docker on a VPS 

Naturally, there are also drawbacks to running Docker on a VPS. One disadvantage is that you need to learn how to use Docker. Docker can be complex for many new users, and it’s often more difficult than running applications on the same system or with virtual machines. 

Although Docker is far more efficient than virtual machines, it can still be demanding. If you use several large applications, a VPS may not have enough resources to run them effectively. That being said, this typically only applies in exceptional cases. We will return to the topic of system requirements later in this article. 

Choose a good VPS for Docker 

Choosing a VPS that meets your needs is important, but here are a few key points to consider if you want a VPS that suits Docker and similar use cases. These are some qualities a good VPS should have, that you should check when choosing a provider. 

1. Scalability

Because a major advantage of Docker is the ability to quickly scale a container to handle heavy traffic, it’s also important that your VPS provider makes it easy to scale your VPS. With a good VPS, you can upgrade it yourself to add more CPU cores, RAM, and storage. 

2. Reliability

If you want to use Docker on your VPS, you will likely value a VPS that offers stability and reliability, so you can trust that you will be able to do whatever you need—whenever you need it. Choose a VPS that offers at least a 99.9% uptime guarantee. 

3. Customer service and support

It’s crucial that you have access to customer service that can quickly help you with any problems that arise on your server. Choose a VPS provider with customer support available around the clock, ideally with a dedicated VPS support line you can call if something happens. 

4. Performance

Docker can be demanding on a server, especially in terms of storage. Therefore, you must use a VPS with high performance and modern hardware. For example, it’s crucial that your VPS uses SSD storage with NVMe technology that offers high IOPS, ensuring your containers always have fast access to your most important data. 

Recommended VPS 

With one.com, you can quickly launch your VPS with everything you need. All VPS packages are optimised for Docker, so you can get started quickly. You can easily switch packages when you need more performance or resources, we offer 99.9% uptime, round-the-clock customer service, and top performance with NVMe SSD drives. 

System requirements for Docker on a VPS 

Docker can, in principle, scale to any size, from a small, low-cost VPS to a large cloud solution. That doesn’t mean you need an expensive VPS to use Docker. In theory, you can use Docker with as little as 512 MB of RAM, but most developers recommend at least 2 GB of RAM for a simple installation.  

This means that even an inexpensive VPS can run Docker without any issues, as many VPS plans offer a minimum of 2 GB of RAM and, in many cases, at least 4 GB. 

The resources your setup needs depend on which applications you want to run, how many of them there are, and how heavily they will be used. If you’re unsure what you need for your VPS, you can start with a small plan and easily scale it up in the future. 

Example of a recommended configuration for Docker on a VPS: 

• 2 vCPU
• 4 GB RAM
• 100 GB NVMe storage

Install Docker on your VPS 

Exactly how you install Docker on a VPS can vary depending on your Linux distribution. Below is a general overview based on Ubuntu. Remember that you should always check Docker’s official documentation to find the most up-to-date information. 

1. Update your system

Begin by updating your package lists and installing any available updates: 

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

2. Install necessary packages

Install the prerequisites that Docker needs to function correctly: 

sudo apt-get install 
    ca-certificates 
    curl 
    gnupg

3. Add Docker’s official GPG key and package repository

To install the latest version of Docker, first add Docker’s GPG key, then configure the stable package repository: 

sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg
 | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

echo 
  "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg] 
  https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | 
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

4. Install Docker Engine

Update your package lists again and install Docker Engine: 

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

5. Verify your installation

Check that Docker has been installed correctly: 

docker --version

You can also test by running a simple test container: 

sudo docker run hello-world

You’ll see a message confirming Docker is working if everything is correct. 

6. Manage Docker permissions

By default, Docker commands require you to use sudo. If you want to avoid that, add your user account to the docker group: 

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Log out and log back in for the changes to take effect. After that, you can run Docker commands without needing to type sudo before each one. 

Install any additional tools 

Many users also install tools like Docker Compose to make it easier to manage containers. This is an optional step. You can find information on installing Docker Compose and other tools online. Remember that you are responsible for your VPS and installing and configuring it correctly. 

Be more efficient with Docker on a VPS 

Docker has become one of the most popular tools among developers because it makes developing and testing new applications simpler, cheaper, and faster. By running Docker on a VPS, you can ensure that you’re ready for your next launch and easily scale your application to handle heavy traffic.