Reasons why I love Containers. With Cloudflared and AI Apps.

Simplifying Containerization with Docker

• Docker Init: Simplifies containerizing new and existing projects by offering pre-configured development templates. This automates setup, enabling faster building and deployment.

• Docker Debug: Streamlines container debugging by injecting necessary packages at runtime without filesystem modifications. Includes a built-in toolbox, access to the Nix package repository, remote debugging, metadata analysis, and log auditing.

• Docker Compose Watch: Improves the development workflow by synchronizing local files with containers and enabling actions like filtering, restarting, and rebuilding containers based on file changes.

• Docker Build Cloud: Offloads container building to a cloud service, significantly reducing build times (up to 39x) and saving developers an average of one hour per day.

• Docker Scout: Enhances container security by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, policy violations, and outdated dependencies, often automatically.

Takeaways

• Ease of Use: Docker init simplifies project containerization.
• Efficient Debugging: Docker debug provides versatile and efficient debugging tools.
• Streamlined Development: Docker compose watch improves the development loop with live file synchronization.
• Increased Productivity: Docker Build Cloud accelerates build times and saves developer time.
• Enhanced Security: Docker Scout proactively addresses security issues in containers.

While Docker and Podman are command-line tools, there are several UI tools that make managing containers easier and more intuitive. Here are some popular options:

1. Portainer

• Platform: Linux, Windows, macOS
• Portainer is a popular open-source web-based UI for managing Docker and Podman containers.
• Installation Command:

sudo docker run -d -p 8000:8000 -p 9000:9000 --name=portainer --restart=always -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock -v portainer_data:/data portainer/portainer-ce

Access Portainer at: http://localhost:9000.

2. Dockge

• Platform: Docker-based UI for container management.
• Installation Command:

docker run louislam/dockge:1 -d \
   --name dockge \
   --restart unless-stopped \
   -p 5001:5001 \
   -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \
   -v /home/jalcocert/Documents/Dockge/data:/app/data \
   # -v /home/your_user/Desktop/Dockge/data:/app/data \

Access Dockge at: http://localhost:5001.

3. Cockpit

• Platform: Linux (CentOS, Fedora, Ubuntu)
• Cockpit is a server management tool with a web-based UI for container management.
• Installation Command:

sudo apt install cockpit
sudo systemctl enable --now cockpit.socket

4. Kitematic (for Docker)

• Platform: Windows/macOS
• Kitematic is a simple GUI for Docker that makes it easier to create, configure, and run containers.

5. Yacht

• Platform: Web-based UI for Docker containers.
• Learn more about Yacht from this video or check its GitHub page.

Dreams of Code, a Senior NYT Reporter, explains their preference for Docker Stack over Docker Compose for VPS deployments.

• Secrets Management: Docker Stack allows external secrets management, separate from the Docker Stack YAML file, which can be linked to environment variables for database and web app services. This promotes secure secret storage.
• Redeploying Applications: Docker Compose can lead to downtime during redeployments as it shuts down running services before deploying upgrades. Manually copying the Docker Compose YAML file also hinders agile deployments.
• Docker Stack Deployment: Docker Stack extends Docker Compose by deploying Docker Compose files on a Docker Swarm enabled node. Swarm mode provides features like blue-green deployments, rolling releases, secure secrets management, service rollbacks, and clustering.
• Automated Deployments: Docker Stack integrates with GitHub Actions for automated deployments. GitHub Actions pipeline workflow files manage the Docker Stack deployment process.

Key Takeaways: * Docker Stack improves upon Docker Compose for seamless and secure VPS application deployments. * Docker Context simplifies managing and deploying to multiple VPS instances from a workstation. * Docker Stack’s secrets management, rollback capabilities, and built-in load balancing enhance production services and developer experience. * Combining Docker Stack with GitHub Actions streamlines CI/CD, ensuring fast, secure deployments with minimal manual effort.

How to check my local IP address?

ifconfig

How to check the exposed service IP? Cloudflare Tunnel ensures your service is securely exposed without revealing your local IP:

curl your_selected_domain.com

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool specifically designed for Kubernetes.

It operates based on the principle that your Git repository serves as the single source of truth for your desired application state.

How Argo CD works?

1. Define Desired State: You define your desired application state (e.g., deployments, services, configurations) in your Git repository using Kubernetes manifests.
2. Argo CD Monitors: Argo CD continuously monitors your Git repository for changes.
3. Automatic Synchronization: When changes are detected, Argo CD automatically synchronizes your Kubernetes cluster to match the desired state defined in Git.
4. Continuous Reconciliation: Argo CD constantly compares the actual state of your cluster with the desired state in Git. If discrepancies are found, it takes corrective actions to bring the cluster back in sync.

Comparison with Jenkins and GitHub Actions:

In essence:

• Argo CD excels in Kubernetes environments, emphasizing GitOps principles for streamlined and reliable deployments.The bestThe best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and the complexity of your CI/CD pipelines. choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and the complexity of your CI/CD pipelines.

• Jenkins is a versatile platform suitable for various CI/CD needs, offering extensive customization options.

• GitHub Actions provides a user-friendly, integrated solution for CI/CD workflows within the GitHub ecosystem.