Deploying Umbraco with Docker.

Docker is a popular containerization platform which has revolutionized how applications are developed, shipped and run.

In this article, we will discuss how to dockerize Umbraco along with the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Docker has revolutionised the way we think about deployments, in a nutshell, docker packages up an entire application with all its environments & dependencies, into a neat, isolated container

Advantages

Isolation and Consistency

Containers provide a consistent environment throughout different development stages.  This means the application runs the same way, irrespective of where the container is deployed.

Resource Efficiency

Compared with virtual machines, docker containers share the host systems kernel and, therefore do not require an entire OS to be replicated, resulting in less overhead and more efficient use of system resources.

Rapid Deployment and Scaling

Docker allows for quick deployment and scaling of applications. You can easily create or replicate Docker containers, which is beneficial for load balancing and managing large-scale Umbraco deployments. Just be sure to check out load balancing in umbraco.

This includes also having a centralised media storage, using something like Azure Storage

Cost Effective

Traditionally, you would host Umbraco on either a Windows VPS or Azure App Service (or similar).  Docker, containerization and the fact that Umbraco uses .net core (which is cross-platform) open up the options.  This means you can host on a low-cost Linux based server

Disadvantages

Learning Curve

Docker's concepts and operations can be complex for beginners. Understanding Dockerfiles, managing images, and orchestrating containers might require some time and effort, especially for teams new to containerization.

Persistent Data Management

Managing persistent data with Docker can be challenging. For Umbraco, which relies on databases and file storage, ensuring data persistence across container updates needs careful planning and configuration.  Although you can utilize docker-compose & volumes to persist data

Resource Intensive for Small Projects

For smaller projects, the overhead of setting up and managing Docker containers might not be justified compared to the benefits it offers, making it less efficient in terms of resource utilisation.

Deploying Umbraco on Docker can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's a walk in the park. We hope this guide empowers you to take on this challenge and opens up new avenues for your development projects.  If you'd like some help with this, please do book a call or get in touch today.