IDX·October 28, 2026·2 min read
Docker packages an application with everything it needs into a container that runs the same way on a laptop and on a server. For small teams, a single VPS running Docker is often all the infrastructure they need.
Why use containers
- Repeatable setups: the same image runs in development and production.
- Isolation: each service has its own dependencies, so upgrading one does not break another.
- Easy rebuilds: if the server is lost, your compose file and data backups recreate it.
A sensible single-server layout
- Docker Engine and Docker Compose on a current Linux distribution.
- One compose file describing your services: the application, a database, a cache.
- A reverse proxy (such as Caddy, Traefik or Nginx) in front, handling HTTPS certificates and routing domains to containers.
- Named volumes or bind mounts for data, kept outside the containers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Publishing database ports to the internet. Keep databases on an internal Docker network only. Note that Docker's published ports can bypass simple host firewall rules, so publish only what must be public.
- Running everything as the latest tag. Pin versions so an update does not surprise you.
- Forgetting backups. Containers are disposable; volumes are not. Back up volumes and database dumps off the server.
- No resource limits. One runaway container can starve the others; set memory limits.
Sizing the VPS
Add up what each service needs, then leave headroom. A small web application with a database typically starts comfortably on 2 vCPU and 4 GB of memory, but measure your own load.
At IDX
IDX cloud VPS plans offer full root access with Docker available as a one-click option, guaranteed vCPU, memory and NVMe storage, and snapshots. Need help designing the setup? Our managed services team can build and run it with you.
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