Use this guide when your app works on your machine but is awkward to run anywhere else, or a hosting service asks for a container. You need a small working app (for example a Python or Node web app), a list of its dependencies and Docker installed; check Docker Desktop's licence terms if you use it for a larger business.
Step by step
Check the app runs cleanly from a fresh folder
Before touching Docker, make sure your dependencies are listed in a file such as requirements.txt or package.json and that the app starts with a single command. Note the port it listens on and any environment variables it needs, such as DATABASE_URL. Make sure the app listens on 0.0.0.0 rather than only localhost, or it will not be reachable from outside the container.
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