How Do I Run a Basic PHP Application with Docker on a DigitalOcean Droplet?

Hey there! 👋

Welcome to the world of Docker! Running a PHP application with Docker on your DigitalOcean Droplet is a great way to manage environments efficiently.

I will try to walk you through this step by step! Let me know if anything is not clear!

Option 1: Running PHP with Docker on a Droplet

First, you have to setup Docker on your Droplet. You can do that using the 1-Click Marketplace image:

https://marketplace.digitalocean.com/apps/docker

Or you can follow the steps here:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-and-use-docker-on-ubuntu-20-04

Or you can follow these steps here:

1. You can do this by running:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install docker.io
   sudo systemctl start docker
   sudo systemctl enable docker
   

2. Once you have Docker installed, you can then create a Dockerfile for your PHP app as you mentioned in your question. The Dockerfile is like a recipe for building your container. Here’s a simple example to get you started:

   # Use the official PHP image
   FROM php:7.4-apache
   
   # Copy your PHP files into the container
   COPY ./your-php-app /var/www/html/
   
   # Expose the port that Apache is using
   EXPOSE 80
   

3. After creating your Dockerfile, run these commands in your Droplet’s terminal:

   docker build -t my-php-app .
   docker run -d -p 80:80 my-php-app
   

   This will pull the PHP image, build your container, and expose it on port 80.

4. Now your PHP app should be accessible by visiting your Droplet’s IP address in your browser.

You would also want to install an SSL certificate to secure your site:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-secure-apache-with-let-s-encrypt-on-ubuntu

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Option 2: Using DigitalOcean App Platform (Easier)

If you’re looking for a simpler solution, DigitalOcean’s App Platform is a great alternative. You don’t need to manage servers, and it handles scaling, updates, SSL certificates and backups for you automatically!

Basically, you get the following out fo the box:

• No server management: No need to worry about maintaining or securing the underlying server.
• Auto-scaling: Your app can automatically scale as traffic increases.
• Built-in SSL: Secure your site with a free SSL certificate.
• Automatic deployments: Simply push your code to GitHub, and it’ll deploy automatically.

You can even use the native PHP buildpack in the App Platform without needing a Dockerfile! But, if you want to, you can still use a Dockerfile in App Platform for more control, just like on your Droplet.

Here’s how to deploy your PHP app on App Platform:

1. Go to the App Platform and create a new app.
2. Connect your GitHub repository or upload your PHP code.
3. Select PHP as the runtime or add your own Dockerfile for more control.
4. Deploy! 🚀

Check out more about using App Platform with PHP here.

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So, if you want to have more control over your environment, Docker on a Droplet is a solid choice. But, if you’re looking for an easier, fully-managed setup, App Platform is the way to go!

Hope this helps, and happy coding! Let me know if you need any further help! 😄

If you’re getting started with Docker, check out this free Docker ebook here: Docker eBook – it’s packed with simple, practical examples to help you get up and running in no time on DigitalOcean.

- Bobby