4 reasons I'm glad I chose Docker to start my self-hosting journey

While Docker is often touted as a great platform for software developers to test out and deploy their apps, it’s also perfect for self-hosting open-source software. When I started testing out self-hosting software, I decided to use Docker Desktop as my means to do so.

While there was a learning curve and a few hiccups along the way, I am ultimately glad I chose Docker to start out my self-hosting journey. I’d even say I wish I had tried out Docker sooner. Here’s a look at why it was the perfect fit for me.

4

I can use it on Windows

The setup process is pretty simple

While using Docker Desktop on Windows 11 requires you to also set up WSL2 or Hyper-V, I found the setup easier than trying to start up a standalone virtual machine or installing Linux on my old laptop. It also meant that I could run Docker like any other app on my PC, without needing a separate instance or device.

There are plenty of guides available on how to install Docker Desktop on Windows, and the Docker website also includes all the steps needed. It took me about 15 minutes to get Docker Desktop up and running on my PC, and the setup process proved to be quick and relatively simple.

I would say that Linux is the ideal environment to host apps, but it has been years since I last used a Linux distro. My only extra laptop also has a malfunctioning battery, so I’d rather not use it to self-host software.

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3

There were no setup costs

I could set up Docker without additional hardware

Creating your own home lab isn’t necessarily pricey, especially if you have a bunch of old components lying around. You can even repurpose an old laptop to run your home lab. But when I started dabbling in self-hosting, I didn’t have the available budget (or spare components and devices) to set up a home lab.

Using Docker on my Windows PC meant that I could experiment with self-hosting without any upfront costs. I already have devices that I regret buying because they go unused, so using Docker on my existing machine let me see if self-hosting is for me before I invest in additional hardware.

I plan to eventually invest in an SBC or set up self-hosting on my old NAS, but for now, Docker on Windows works perfectly fine for me. The main drawback is that I power off my PC each night to save electricity, which means my containers aren’t running 24/7.

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2

I could get started without fully understanding the complexities

You can be a self-hosting noob and still use Docker

There was a bit of trial-and-error when it came to using Docker for self-hosting apps, but I was able to get my first few containers running the same day that I installed Docker. I didn’t need coding knowledge or familiarity with Docker commands to get my first few single-container apps running.

Eventually, I needed to expand my knowledge to use tools like Docker Compose for multi-container apps. This also required me to access configuration files and edit various fields. As a result, I now know how to install apps using Docker Compose and open specific folders using my command line. I also eventually learned how to access the logs for my containers.

But I didn’t need to know all of this on day one. I could learn at my own pace as I started hosting more complex apps that relied on databases and specific configurations.

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1

Most self-hosted apps include instructions for Docker

This makes setting up containers easy

While I have occasionally worked with tools like Python, I wouldn’t say I have coding experience. This is because I’ve learned a few commands for certain tools without understanding the underlying syntax. There’s still a lot I need to learn about self-hosting, but the open-source community makes creating Docker containers extremely easy.

Usually, a self-hosted app’s page will include instructions on how to get the software running in Docker. In the case of Docker Compose, these pages will include the commands you need to include, as well as the specific edits you should make to the configuration files. I’ve used Docker to host Node-RED, NocoDB, Wallos, Firefly III, PhotoPrism, Dawarich, and Immich. However, there are plenty of other services, including Docker setup instructions for self-hosting.

Occasionally, the apps I’ve tried will include instructions for other software like Kubernetes and Portainer, or steps for bare metal servers and NAS. But I’ve found that Docker is the most frequent method included.

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Docker made self-hosting less intimidating for me

There’s still more I need to learn about self-hosting, but Docker has given me a great start. Every week, I add a new tool to my arsenal and learn more about hosting software on my PC. When I’m ready, I’ll invest in some additional hardware to expand my knowledge even further.