How to self-host apps with Docker

TechRadar's Ritoban Mukherjee explains how users can run websites, apps, automated workflows and local AI models on servers they control. The guide says a private server can cost $15 to $20 a month, while giving users administrative access to data moving into and out of the server.

The approach uses Docker, which runs each app in its own container containing the required code, runtime, libraries and settings. The guide says this separation helps prevent one installation from affecting another. Users can install apps through SSH, a graphical hosting control panel or ready-made templates. Each method assumes access to a working Linux server, workstation or NAS, although a local server can also run on a Linux computer or Raspberry Pi.

For command-line deployments, the guide describes installing Docker with a Linux distribution's package manager, creating a folder and writing a Docker Compose YAML file. That file defines the container image, ports, storage and environment variables. Docker Hub provides images and setup instructions for compatible apps.

The guide also compares control panels. cPanel does not include native Docker management, while Plesk offers an official Docker extension. CyberPanel, built on OpenLiteSpeed, includes Docker management as an alternative to SSH.