Can this template be used in production?

Not recommended as is. For production, use a dedicated template (Laravel Stack, Node.js Stack) or Coolify/Dokploy.

Does hot reload work with remote volumes?

Yes, if you mount your local code on the VPS via SSHFS or if you work directly from the VPS.

Kick off a software project quickly.

Docker Development Stack

A Docker Compose environment shareable across all your developers — hot reload, isolation, consistency.

2 GB RAM 1 vCPU Available

Source code

Tech stack

DockerDocker ComposePostgreSQLRedisMailpit

Minimum RAM2 GB

Minimum CPU1 vCPU

Compatible OSubuntu-24.04

The Docker Development Stack template configures a complete development environment based on Docker Compose, designed to be reproducible and shareable across all the members of your team. No more "it works on my machine": all your developers share exactly the same environment, from the database to the auxiliary services.

This template includes a base `docker-compose.yml` file with hot reload (bind mount volumes), an internal network for the services, and configurations for the most common project types. Deployed on a shared development VPS, it lets the whole team work on the same staging environment.

Key features

Docker Compose with hot reload via bind mount volumes

Internal Docker network for service isolation

Ready-to-use configurations for Node.js, PHP, Python

Auxiliary services included: PostgreSQL, Redis, Mailpit

A Makefile of common commands (start, stop, shell, logs)

Compatible with Docker Desktop and a remote VPS

When to use this solution?

1

Developer onboarding

A new developer clones the repository and runs `make start` — the environment is ready in 2 minutes.

2

Shared staging server

Deploy this environment on a VPS dedicated to staging — the whole team accesses it the same way.

3

Multi-project

Manage several projects with different stacks on the same server thanks to Docker isolation.

Deploy Docker Development Stack on your VPS

Guide optimized for ServOrbit Cloud VPS.

01

Create the VPS

Select "Docker Development Stack". Minimum 2 GB RAM, more if several projects run simultaneously.

02

Adapt the Compose file

Edit docker-compose.yml to match your stack (add your application service, adjust the volumes).

03

Start the environment

Run make start or docker compose up -d --build. The services start in the background.

04

Access the services

Your app is reachable via the mapped port. PostgreSQL, Redis and Mailpit are reachable from the internal Docker network.

Frequently asked questions

Docker Starter is a minimal production base. Docker Dev Stack is specifically designed for development: hot reload, debugging tools, test services (Mailpit, etc.).

Complementary solutions

Application Deployment & DevOps

Docker Starter

A preconfigured Docker environment with Docker Compose, an internal network, and secure SSH access. A starting point for any containerised project.