Docker
Standard containerization. Package an app with all its dependencies, runs anywhere. Docker Compose for local multi-service.
Strengths
- Total portability: a container runs identically locally, in CI, and in prod
- Docker Compose: multi-service orchestration in a single YAML file
- Massive Docker Hub ecosystem: official images for everything (Postgres, Redis, n8n)
- Perfect isolation: each service has its own dependencies, no system conflicts
- Industry standard: supported by all cloud providers (AWS, GCP, Render)
Limitations
- Docker Desktop heavy on RAM (~2-4 GB), slows down low-memory machines
- Dockerfile learning curve: layer caching, multi-stage builds, secrets
- Docker Desktop licensing restrictive for companies >250 employees ($5-24/user/month)
- Overkill for SPA frontends, Vercel/Netlify are simpler and faster
Best for
- Local backend stacks: DB + API + workers + Redis in Docker Compose
- Self-hosting tools (n8n, Metabase, PostHog) on a VPS or NAS
- Reproducible CI/CD: same image in test, staging, and production