Docker Automation Stack Checklist for VPS

Docker Automation Stack Checklist for VPS

This checklist is for running automation services on a VPS with Docker. It applies to n8n, API services, workers, crawlers, small AI agent tools and webhook-based workflows.

Why this matters

Docker makes deployment easier, but a weak Docker setup can still fail. Missing volumes, exposed ports, unsafe env files, uncontrolled logs and no restart policy can make an automation system unreliable.

Checklist

1. Install Docker and Docker Compose correctly.
2. Use a docker-compose.yml file instead of random long commands.
3. Store secrets in an environment file.
4. Use named volumes for persistent data.
5. Set restart policy for important services.
6. Expose only required ports.
7. Use a reverse proxy and HTTPS for dashboards.
8. Check container logs after deployment.
9. Monitor Docker disk usage.
10. Back up compose files, env files and volumes.
11. Document the restore process.

Final check

An automation stack is production-ready only when it can restart, persist data, protect secrets, provide logs and recover from a failed update.

docker --version
docker compose version
docker ps
docker logs container_name
docker system df
docker compose up -d
docker compose down