Notes from the deploy log
Guides and tutorials on self-hosting, Docker and shipping apps to your own servers.
- 01read →
DeployKit vs Coolify vs Dokploy vs CapRover: choosing a self-hosted PaaS in 2026
An honest comparison of four open-source, self-hosted PaaS options: architecture, builds, multi-server, previews and maturity, and which one fits which team.
5 min read[comparison][self-hosting][coolify][dokploy][caprover]
- 02read →
A Dockerfile that works the first time: ports, env vars and health checks on DeployKit
The build succeeds, the container is running, and the app is still unreachable. The port, bind-address and env-var rules that fix most failed first deploys.
7 min read[docker][dockerfile][tutorial][troubleshooting]
- 03read →
Harden your VPS before installing a self-hosted PaaS: SSH, firewall and the Docker ufw trap
A practical checklist for a fresh Linux VPS before you install DeployKit: updates, SSH keys, a firewall Docker can't bypass, fail2ban, and securing the panel.
6 min read[security][self-hosting][vps][docker][tutorial]
- 04read →
Nixpacks vs Dockerfile vs Buildpacks: which build method to choose on DeployKit
DeployKit can build your app three ways. How each one works, what it's good at, where it breaks, and a simple rule for picking the right one per app.
6 min read[docker][nixpacks][buildpacks][dockerfile][guide]
- 05read →
A self-hosted Heroku alternative: deploy with git push on your own VPS
How to get the Heroku and Vercel git-push experience on a server you control, with automatic builds, SSL and databases — and no per-app platform bill.
2 min read[self-hosting][heroku][docker][tutorial]
- 06read →
A self-hosted Vercel alternative for Next.js: SSR, previews and HTTPS on your own server
Run Next.js on your own VPS with git-push deploys, automatic HTTPS and a preview per pull request. What carries over from Vercel, and what doesn't.
6 min read[nextjs][vercel][self-hosting][tutorial]