Today I started setting up Docker on my hosting server as part of my project. My goal is to run PostgreSQL and backend services in containers and manage everything cleanly.
This post is a simple log of what I did today — step by step
Goal for Today
- Set up Docker on my hosting server
- Prepare environment for database and backend
- Begin container-based development
- Lab name: selfmade.lab
Step 1: Connected to My Server
First, I connected to my hosting server using SSH:
ssh root@your_server_ip
After login, I confirmed I’m inside the server.
Step 2: Installed Docker
Then I installed Docker using basic commands:
apt update
apt install docker.io -y
After installation, I started Docker:
systemctl start docker
systemctl enable docker
To check if Docker is working:
docker --version
Step 3: Tested Docker
I ran a simple test container:
docker run hello-world
This confirmed Docker is installed and running correctly.
Step 4: Started PostgreSQL Container
Next, I started my database container:
docker run -d \
--name selfmade-postgres \
-e POSTGRES_PASSWORD=1234 \
-p 5432:5432 \
postgres
Now PostgreSQL is running inside Docker.
Step 5: Opened Database Port
To allow external connection:
ufw allow 5432
Step 6: Connected Using pgAdmin
From my local system, I connected using:
- Host:
your_server_ip - Port:
5432 - Username:
postgres - Password:
1234
Connection was successful
Step 7: Planning Next Steps
Today I only completed the base setup. Next, I plan to:
- Use docker-compose for better management
- Add FastAPI backend
- Secure database using
.env - Setup domain for selfmade.lab
- Add Nginx for reverse proxy
Challenges I Faced
- Initial confusion with Docker setup
- Understanding server vs local environment
- Port access configuration
But step by step, everything started working.
What I Learned Today
- Docker can be installed easily on a server
- Containers simplify backend setup
- PostgreSQL runs smoothly inside Docker
- Remote connection using pgAdmin is very useful
Final Thoughts
Today was a strong start for my project infrastructure. Setting up Docker on my hosting server gave me more confidence to move forward with deployment.
More updates coming soon as I build selfmade.lab