Docker & Containerization

Docker and containerization: reproducible and reliable deployments.

How often have you heard “it works on my machine”? Gaps between development, test and production environments are the source of hidden bugs, failed deployments and time lost investigating.

Docker solves this: your applications are packaged in containers - isolated, reproducible environments that include everything the application needs to run. Docker Compose orchestrates multiple containers (app, database, cache) in a single command.

We use Docker to deploy Directus, Coolify, Astro and our clients' applications on OVH. Discover below the principles of containerization and our practice.

Docker & Containerization

How Docker works

Docker is the most widely used containerization platform. It relies on a container engine, an image format (Dockerfile), a CLI and an API. The ecosystem includes Docker Hub, private registries and orchestration (Kubernetes for large-scale projects).

Benefits of containerization

  • Reproducibility: same image = same behaviour, everywhere.
  • Isolation: application and dependencies encapsulated, no conflicts.
  • Portability: identical dev, staging and production.
  • Scalability: replicate containers to handle load.

Typical stack

Directus + PostgreSQL + Redis with Docker Compose, or Coolify managing the container lifecycle. We configure Dockerfiles and Compose for each project, with optimized images and security best practices.

Idee-web expertise

We build optimized Docker images (multi-stage builds, lean images), maintainable Compose files, and deploy on OVH with Coolify. Training and support included so your teams master Docker.

Containers and Docker images
Containers and Docker images
Containers and Docker images

Containers and Docker images

A Dockerfile describes the build steps of your application: base system, dependencies, source code, start command. The result is a Docker image: an immutable, reproducible package containing everything your application needs to run.

We write optimised Dockerfiles for each of your projects: smaller size, fast builds, stronger security.

Docker Compose orchestrates multiple containers: your application, its database (PostgreSQL), its cache (Redis), its CMS (Directus). A docker-compose.yml file defines the whole stack, networks and data volumes.

We structure your Compose files so they are readable, maintainable and production-ready.

Docker images are stored in registries (Docker Hub, GitHub Container Registry, private registries). Each version of your application is identifiable by a tag, enabling instant rollback and deployment traceability.

We set up a versioning strategy suited to your delivery needs.

Dockerfile Docker images Build Reproducibility Docker Compose PostgreSQL Redis Multi-container Orchestration Registry Versioning Docker Hub Rollback Traceability

Docker best practices and security

We apply containerisation best practices: multi-stage builds to reduce image size, non-root user in containers, official and maintained base images. Each Dockerfile layer is optimised for build speed and final image lightness.

Result: smaller images, faster to deploy and more secure.

Container security is a priority: we limit privileges, isolate networks, encrypt sensitive volumes and update base images regularly. Secrets (passwords, API keys) are injected via secure environment variables, never baked into images.

We audit and document the security configuration of each project.

Container isolation ensures each service runs in its own environment: no dependency conflicts, no side effects between applications. Dev, staging and production environments are strictly identical thanks to Docker.

This portability eliminates the classic « it works on my machine » and makes your deliveries more reliable.

Docker best practices and security
Docker best practices and security
Docker best practices and security
Multi-stage build Optimisation Light images Non-root Container security Isolation Secrets Encryption Isolation Portability Identical environments Reliability
Docker deployment with Coolify and OVH
Docker deployment with Coolify and OVH
Docker deployment with Coolify and OVH

Docker deployment with Coolify and OVH

We deploy your Docker containers on OVH via Coolify: a PaaS interface that manages the full lifecycle of your applications. Git push, automatic build, deployment, SSL, monitoring — everything is integrated and supervised.

Your full stack (Directus, Astro, PostgreSQL, Redis) runs on reliable European infrastructure.

Each deployed project gets automated backups (databases and files), monitoring for availability and performance, and alerts on incidents. Docker and Coolify updates are scheduled and tested before rollout.

We ensure service continuity and resilience of your infrastructure.

We train your teams on Docker basics: understanding images and containers, reading a Dockerfile, using Docker Compose, viewing logs. This autonomy lets you handle day-to-day operations with confidence.

Our technical support remains available for advanced operations and evolution of your infrastructure.

Coolify OVH Automated deployment European infrastructure Backups Monitoring Alerts Service continuity Docker training Support Technical support Autonomy

By choosing Docker and containerization with our expertise, you benefit from:

  • reproducible, identical environments from development to production,
  • simplified deployment with Docker Compose and Coolify,
  • maximum isolation and portability for each service,
  • deployment, maintenance and training by our team.

We containerize and deploy your projects for a reliable, controlled infrastructure. Contact us.