Getting Started #2 – Create a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and Deploy a Next.js Application with Dokploy

[zenocross]

Overview

The best way to learn about Dokploy is through hands-on practice. This issue walks you through the complete workflow: setting up a VPS using Google Cloud's free credits and deploying a Next.js application using Dokploy. You'll gain practical experience with hosting and deployment from start to finish.

Part 1: Create a VPS on Google Cloud

Prerequisites

• Google Account
• Google Cloud free credits (new accounts get $300 free credits)

Steps

1. Setup Google Cloud Console

   • Navigate to Google Cloud Console
   • Create/Login to your Google Account
   • Set up billing account (required for free credits)

2. Create Compute Engine Instance

   • Search "Compute Engine" and click Create Instance
   • Enable Compute Engine API if prompted (~1 minute)

3. Configure Instance Settings

   Machine Configuration:

   • Instance Name: [YOUR-NAME]-codepath-dokploy-vps
   • Region: us-central1 (Iowa) or any region

   Machine Type:

   • Select e2-medium

   Boot Disk:

   • Operating System: Ubuntu
   • Version: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS x86/64 (jammy)
   • Boot disk type: SSD persistent disk

   Firewall:

   • ✅ Allow HTTP traffic
   • ✅ Allow HTTPS traffic

4. Launch Instance

   • Click Create to finalize settings
   • Wait for instance to be running
   • Click SSH button to open terminal
   • Authorize SSH key when prompted

Part 2: Configure Firewall for Dokploy

Create Firewall Rule

1. Navigate to VPC Networks

   • Search "VPC Networks" in Google Cloud Console
   • Select Firewall > Create Firewall Rule

2. Configure Rule Settings

   • Name: allow-dokploy-tcp-3000
   • Targets: All instances in the network
   • Source IPv4 ranges: 0.0.0.0/0
   • Specified protocols and ports: TCP, port 3000
   • Click Create

Part 3: Install Dokploy on VPS

Installation

1. Run Installation Command

   curl -sSL https://dokploy.com/install.sh | sudo sh

   • Wait for installation to complete
   • Note the IP link displayed in console

2. Access Dokploy UI

   • Navigate to the provided IP link (format: http://[EXTERNAL-IP]:3000)
   • Create new user account (use different credentials than local setup)
   • Important: Save your login credentials!

Note: If you lose the link, find it at: Compute Engine dashboard → External IP:3000

Part 4: Deploy Next.js Application

Prepare Repository

1. Fork Example Repository
   • Fork [Dokploy Examples Repository](https://github.com/dokploy/dokploy-examples) to your GitHub account
   • Rename it to something descriptive (optional)
   • Clone the forked repository to your local machine

Configure Dokploy Deployment

1. Create Project

   • In Dokploy UI (VPS instance), create project: [YOUR-NAME]-codepath-unit-1

2. Create Application

   • Create service → Application
   • Name: DokployNextJSApp (or similar descriptive name)

3. Setup GitHub Provider

   • Under provider section, click GitHub settings
   • Install and authorize the GitHub app
   • Address "Action required" by clicking dropdown arrow
   • Authorize in popup

4. Configure Source Repository

   • Select GitHub as source
   • GitHub Account: Your authorized account
   • Repository: Your forked dokploy-examples
   • Branch: main
   • Build Path: /nextjs
   • Click Save

5. Deploy Application

   • Click Deploy button
   • Wait for deployment to complete
   • Monitor logs to ensure successful deployment

Configure Domain Access

1. Add Domain

   • Go to Domains tab
   • Add domain with settings:
     • Host: Your VPS external IP (e.g., 34.63.1xx.1xx)
     • Path: /
     • Port: 3000
     • HTTPS: No

2. Test Deployment

   • Navigate to your VPS IP address
   • Verify Next.js app is running successfully

Note: You may see DNS warnings (queryA ENOTFOUND), but if the app loads, it's working correctly.

Bonus Challenge

• Customize the App: Modify the Next.js homepage to display your name and a fun fact about yourself

Submission Requirements

Submit a screen recording demonstrating:

• Your deployed Next.js application running in browser
• Your VPS instance in Google Cloud Console
• Include the URL of your deployed application in the recording or description

Additional Submission Details

• Deployed App URL: http://[YOUR-VPS-IP]:3000
• Google Cloud Project Name:
• VPS Instance Name:

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Dokploy UI is inaccessible, verify firewall rule is properly configured
• If deployment fails, check the logs in the Dokploy interface
• Ensure your GitHub repository is accessible and the build path is correct
• Double-check that your VPS instance is running

Acceptance Criteria

• Successfully created and configured a Google Cloud VPS instance
• Installed Dokploy on the remote server
• Set up GitHub integration with Dokploy
• Successfully deployed a Next.js application end-to-end
• Configured domain routing for web access
• Application is accessible via browser at VPS IP address
• Submitted screen recording showing deployed app and VPS instance
• Included deployed application URL in submission

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[BPATHAK10]

I cannot open the url for the next app i.e https://github.com/dokploy/dokploy-examples . It says 404 not found. Is the link correct ?

[sonephyo]

I cannot open the url for the next app i.e https://github.com/dokploy/dokploy-examples . It says 404 not found. Is the link correct ?

@BPATHAK10
Dokploy Examples I believe this is the correct link.

[ayoposiolubamisaye]

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/774a2509-5fb0-43b3-af3b-b5d8f4b67941
http://34.72.107.11:3000
Google Cloud Project Name: First project
VPS Instance Name: ayoposio-codepath-dokploy-vps

[saanvi-kataria77]

https://cap.link/xj4hy1pydgpj2y8
(upload not working)
Google Cloud Project Name: not sure :3
VPS Instance Name: [saanvi-kataria-codepath-dokploy-vps]

[Names2Long]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11FWbbOecmEQKQlPONIBUUzS64wV2JKlv/view?usp=sharing

I'm pretty sure I did the setup correctly

[konradkelly]

https://youtu.be/f_FSNKPxDLE
Google Cloud Project Name: konrad-kelly-codepath-dokploy-vps
http://35.193.142.239:3000

DokployNextJsApp
konradkellycodepathunit1-dokploynextjsapp-9covxr

[imemusi]

result.mp4

Deployed App URL: http://34.66.2.140:3000/api/deploy/I7AcYiPkI2y6OGdZYblwh
VPS instance name: patrick-memusi-codepath-dokploy-vps
project name: patrick-memusi-codepath-unit-1