Docker Deployment Best Practices for Homelab

Docker has revolutionized how we deploy applications. In a homelab environment with limited resources, understanding best practices becomes even more critical.

Container Optimization

Image Size Matters

Use minimal base images like Alpine Linux to reduce memory footprint:

FROM node:20-alpine
WORKDIR /app
COPY package.json .
RUN npm install --production
COPY . .
EXPOSE 3000
CMD ["node", "server.js"]

Resource Limits

Always set resource limits for containers:

services:
  app:
    image: my-app:latest
    deploy:
      resources:
        limits:
          cpus: '0.5'
          memory: 256M

Monitoring and Logging

Implement proper monitoring to catch issues early.

Conclusion

Proper containerization ensures your homelab runs smoothly with limited resources.