Cloud MySQL and WordPress Deployment with CapRover

Overview

• Deploy platforms like WordPress, MySQL, and more using CapRover.
• CapRover allows zero-configuration domain addition and HTTPS.
• Suitable for individuals with minimal server expertise.

Installation Steps

Prerequisites

• Ensure Docker is installed (easy on all systems: docker.com).

CapRover Installation Locally

1. Check Docker Installation: Confirm the Docker version (example: v20).
2. Refer to CapRover Documentation: Follow instructions for running locally but note potential filesystem issues on Mac and Windows.
3. Universal Solution: Use Docker inside Docker.
   • Expose necessary ports: 80, 443, 3000.
   • Run docker run command with privileged access and port mapping.
   • Name the container (e.g., CapRover Docker).
4. Access and Setup Container: Use Docker commands to enter and set up.
   • docker ps and docker exec commands to enter container terminal.
   • Create required directories and JSON config files.
5. Start CapRover Server: Use caprover commands to initiate server.
6. Access CapRover: Access CapRover at mapped local port (e.g., 3200).

Deploying Applications on CapRover

Deploy WordPress with MySQL

1. Access CapRover Dashboard: Login and navigate to One-Click Apps.
2. Select WordPress with Database: Provide credentials (sample: user/password) and deploy.
3. Wait for Setup: Application will be live in a few minutes.
   • Check deployment status and access via provided localhost domain.

Deploy Next.js Application

1. Create Next.js Application: Use npx create-next-app.
2. Prepare Deployment: Install CapRover CLI globally.
   • Login to CapRover via terminal.
   • Deploy application by specifying target and branches.
3. Resolve Host Issues: Edit local hosts file to map CapRover domains.
4. CapRover Deployment: Use caprover deploy to deploy and handle configurations.
   • Create captain-definition file as needed with necessary scripts.
   • CapRover builds and deploys using Docker cache for efficiency.

Custom Domains and HTTPS

1. Setup Custom Domain: Update DNS settings to point domain to server IP.
2. Enable HTTPS: Use CapRover settings to enable HTTPS via email verification.
3. Force HTTPS: Ensure all traffic is secure by configuring CapRover settings.

Deploy CapRover on Live Server

1. Choose Cloud Provider: Example used – Hetzner.
2. Provision Docker Container: Create and access container.
3. Follow CapRover Setup Steps: As done locally, but simplified.

Conclusion

• CapRover simplifies deployment of various services with minimal configuration.
• Suitable for local and live server setups.
• Provides built-in features for custom domain management and security.
• Abstraction layer on Docker ensures services continue running even if CapRover is removed.

Final Thoughts

• Explore CapRover for easy and efficient project deployment.
• Secure your projects with HTTPS and custom domains.
• Continuous deployment setup possible for ongoing project updates.
• Recommended for web development projects due to ease of use and features.

Additional Tips

• Subscribe for more web development content.
• Be kind and collaborate effectively.
• Practice deploying different applications to fully understand CapRover capabilities.