📕Deploy an Application with a Dockerfile on Clouddley

Learn how to deploy an application using a Dockerfile on Clouddley.

Deploying applications with a Dockerfile on Clouddley allows you to containerize and manage your application efficiently. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on deploying an Express.js application using a Dockerfile, ensuring a seamless and reliable deployment process.

Prerequisites

• A GitHub or Bitbucket Account.

• A Clouddley account.

• Basic understanding of Docker.

• An Express.js application.

• A virtual machine on a Cloud platform or bare metal server.

Creating a Dockerfile

In the application root directory, create a Dockerfile triggr.dockerfile that defines how the app should be containerized.

Best Practice: When creating a Dockerfile, use a lightweight base image (e.g., node:alpine for Node.js apps) to reduce image size. Always specify exact versions for dependencies to ensure consistency.

triggr.dockerfile

# Use an official Node.js runtime as a parent image
FROM node:18-alpine

# Set the working directory in the container
WORKDIR /app

# Copy package.json and package-lock.json first for dependency installation
COPY package*.json ./

# Install dependencies
RUN npm install --omit=dev  # Use --omit=dev for production builds

# Copy the rest of the application code
COPY . .

# Expose the application port (ensure it matches the port your app listens on)
EXPOSE 3011

# Define the command to run the application
CMD ["node", "./bin/www"]

Building and Running the Container Locally

Before deploying to Apps, verify that the container works locally.

1. Build the Docker image:

   docker build -t my-express-app -f triggr.dockerfile .

2. Run the container:

   docker run -d -p 3011:3011 --name express-container my-express-app

3. Verify the app is running by visiting http://localhost:3011.

Deploying the Application

Accessing Apps

• Open your web browser, log in to your Clouddley account

• Navigate to Apps and click on Deploy App.

Accessing Apps

Step 1: Configure Service

• Choose your Git hosting service; either GitHub or Bitbucket. For this tutorial, we will be using GitHub.

• Click on Continue with GitHub

Choose your Git hosting service

Step 2: Configure Git

• To connect your GitHub user or organization account, click the Select username/organization dropdown and Add GitHub account.

• Select your repository and the branch from the dropdown list or quickly search.

• Click on Next

Setup the Express.js application repository on Clouddley

Step 3: Configure your Virtual Machine

In the Choose or add server dropdown, select your virtual machine (VM) if it’s already listed. If not, select + Add Virtual Machine.

Enter the following details to configure your VM:

• Hostname or IP address

• Username

• SSH port

After adding the details, use the Clouddley CLI (recommended) or connect via SSH to verify the connection.

Clouddley CLI

The Clouddley CLI is a command-line tool that allows you to interact with the Clouddley Platform from your terminal.

• Open the command line of the remote VM you want to configure to Clouddley and install Clouddley CLI by running the command:

curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/clouddley/cli/main/install.sh | sh

• To add the SSH public key, run the command:

clouddley add key

Using the CLI, you can deploy resources, manage configurations, and automate tasks efficiently.

SSH

• Click on Verify. This verifies the connection.

• Click on Next

Configuration of virtual machine on Clouddley

Step 4: Configure app settings

• Insert the name of the application and its port.

• Click on Next

Configure the App name and port

The firewall of the virtual machine should allow access to the application port.

Step 5: Configure Environment Variables

• To add environment variables, click on ➕ Add Variable

• Choose an ENV mode, which can be either single or import variables. Learn more here.

Single Variable

Single variable ENV mode

Import Variables

• Add the key-value pairs and click on Save

• Click on Next

Adding environment variables

Step 6: Set up Notifications (optional)

• To configure the notification settings of the application, click on ➕ Add Alert

• Select the Alert type. For this tutorial, we will set up Email alerts.

• Toggle on the buttons of the deployment event (failed, timed out, or success) you want to be notified of.

• Enter the Email address where you want to receive alerts. (You can add multiple email addresses)

• Click on Save

• Click on Deploy

Notifications set up and creation of Express.js application on Clouddley

Step 7: Test and Verify the app

• Click on Go to Dashboard. Your app will be visible on the apps dashboard.

• After the app deployment is complete, the app status changes from Deploying to Online

Express.js application dashboard overview

• Click on 🌐 Website at the top right corner of the page, which opens the URL of the deployed application in your browser.

• You can test the application functionalities.

Express.js application running from Clouddley on a cloud virtual machine

The Express.js application has been successfully deployed on Clouddley with a Dockerfile. You can manage it from the application dashboard by selecting the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner, where you will find options to Edit, Instant Rollback, Scale, Pause, or Delete the deployment.

Additionally, you can navigate through the dashboard tabs to:

• View deployment history

• Access and download logs

• Add a custom domain

• View and manage environment variables

Conclusion

Following these steps, you have successfully deployed an Express.js application with a Dockerfile on Clouddley. This method ensures a consistent, scalable, and efficient deployment workflow. Check out the source code for this application here.