If you’re a developer looking to deploy a Flask (Python) or Node.js (JavaScript) web application, using Docker on a Cloud VM is one of the best ways to ensure portability, scalability, and easy management.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Why Use Docker for Deployment?
✅ Choosing a Cloud VM Provider
✅ Deploying a Flask App in Docker
✅ Deploying a Node.js App in Docker
🚀 Why Use Docker for Web App Deployment?
Docker provides containerization, allowing you to package your app and dependencies into a lightweight, portable container.
🔹 Benefits of Docker for Deployment:
✔️ Portability – Run the same container on any machine
✔️ Scalability – Easily scale up with multiple containers
✔️ Security – Isolates your app from the host system
✔️ Easy Updates – Deploy new versions with a single command
☁️ Choosing a Cloud VM Provider
To host your application, you’ll need a Cloud VM provider. Some great options include:
🔹 Vultr Cloud VMs – Affordable and powerful VPS hosting
🔹 AWS EC2 – Enterprise-grade cloud computing
🔹 DigitalOcean Droplets – Easy-to-use Linux servers
💡 For this guide, we’ll use Vultr, but the steps apply to any cloud provider.
🛠 Setting Up Your Cloud VM
1️⃣ Create a Cloud VM
- Sign up at Vultr
- Choose Ubuntu 22.04 as the OS
- Select at least 1GB RAM & 1 vCPU
2️⃣ Connect to Your Server
Once the VM is created, SSH into it:
ssh root@YOUR_VM_IP
🐳 Installing Docker on Your Cloud VM
First, update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Then, install Docker:
sudo apt install -y docker.io
Verify Docker is installed:
docker --version
✅ Docker is now set up on your Cloud VM!
🌍 Deploying a Flask App in Docker
Let’s deploy a simple Flask app inside a Docker container.
Step 1: Create the Flask App
First, create a new project directory:
mkdir ~/flask-app && cd ~/flask-app
Create app.py:
nano app.py
Add the following Flask code:
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)
@app.route('/')
def home():
return "Hello, Flask in Docker!"
if __name__ == '__main__':
app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)
Step 2: Create a Dockerfile
Next, create a Dockerfile:
nano Dockerfile
Add the following content:
# Use an official Python runtime as a base image
FROM python:3.9
# Set the working directory
WORKDIR /app
# Copy the application files
COPY app.py /app/
# Install Flask
RUN pip install flask
# Expose the app port
EXPOSE 5000
# Run the application
CMD ["python", "app.py"]
Step 3: Build and Run the Container
Now, build the Docker image:
docker build -t flask-app .
Run the container:
docker run -d -p 5000:5000 flask-app
Step 4: Access Your Flask App
Your app should now be running at:
http://YOUR_VM_IP:5000
🎉 You’ve deployed a Flask app using Docker!
🌎 Deploying a Node.js App in Docker
Let’s now deploy a Node.js app in Docker.
Step 1: Create the Node.js App
mkdir ~/node-app && cd ~/node-app
Create server.js:
nano server.js
Add this Node.js code:
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello, Node.js in Docker!');
});
app.listen(3000, () => {
console.log('Server is running on port 3000');
});
Step 2: Create a Dockerfile
nano Dockerfile
Add the following content:
# Use an official Node.js runtime as a base image
FROM node:16
# Set the working directory
WORKDIR /app
# Copy package.json and install dependencies
COPY package.json /app/
RUN npm install
# Copy the rest of the application files
COPY . /app/
# Expose the app port
EXPOSE 3000
# Run the application
CMD ["node", "server.js"]
Step 3: Create a package.json File
nano package.json
Add this content:
{
"name": "docker-node-app",
"version": "1.0.0",
"main": "server.js",
"dependencies": {
"express": "^4.17.1"
}
}
Step 4: Build and Run the Container
Build the Docker image:
docker build -t node-app .
Run the container:
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 node-app
Step 5: Access Your Node.js App
Your app should now be running at:
http://YOUR_VM_IP:3000
🎉 You’ve successfully deployed a Node.js app using Docker!
☁️ Want a More Scalable Deployment? Use Docker Compose!
Instead of running multiple docker run commands, you can use Docker Compose to manage both Flask and Node.js containers in one file.
Create a docker-compose.yml file:
version: '3'
services:
flask:
build: ./flask-app
ports:
- "5000:5000"
node:
build: ./node-app
ports:
- "3000:3000"
Start both containers at once:
docker-compose up -d
🔥 Now both apps are running with a single command!
🎯 Conclusion: Deploy Your Apps with Ease
By using Docker on a Cloud VM, you can:
✅ Easily deploy Python (Flask) and JavaScript (Node.js) apps
✅ Ensure your apps run consistently across environments
✅ Scale applications with Docker Compose
💻 Looking for a powerful Mini PC to self-host instead?
👉 Check Out AMD Mini PCs
☁️ Want a reliable Cloud VM for hosting?
👉 Deploy on Vultr
📖 Want to Master Linux for Server Deployments?
👉 Best Linux OS Books
🐍 Need More Python Knowledge?
👉 Top Python Books
🔥 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 🚀
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