Deploying CakePHP with Docker: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Are you ready to streamline your Cake PHP application deployment? If so, Docker is the perfect solution. Docker is a virtual box for your applications. Docker makes deploying your Cake PHP application simple and easy to follow. It ensures that your application runs the same way on every system, removing issues caused by different setups. You can also skip the usual troubles of manual deployment with Docker’s streamlined process.

This guide will show you how to deploy a Cake PHP application using Docker in a way that is easy to understand. Whether you are new to Docker or have some experience, the steps are designed to help you succeed. 

Let us get started and simplify your deployment process.

Why Use Docker for Cake PHP?

Docker is a powerful tool that makes deploying applications easier. It allows you to bundle your Cake PHP application with all its required dependencies into a single container. This container can run seamlessly on any system, ensuring consistency and reliability. Here is why Docker is an excellent choice for Cake PHP:

1. Consistency: No more issues like ‘it works on my computer but not on yours.
2. Portability: Docker allows you to move your application smoothly across different stages, like development, testing, and production, without facing issues related to different system setups.
3. Scalability: As your user base grows, Docker helps you easily adjust and expand your Cake PHP app to meet the increased demand.
4. Efficiency: Docker uses lightweight containers that take up less system space and resources, helping your application run faster and more efficiently.

What You Need Before You Start

To follow this guide, ensure you have the following:

• A basic understanding of Cake PHP.
• Docker and Docker Compose are installed on your system.
• A Cake PHP project ready for deployment.

If you do not have Docker yet, visit the Docker website for installation instructions.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project Directory

Create a directory for your Cake PHP project and Docker configuration. Inside this directory, organize the following structure:

---

project-directory/

|– app/  (Your Cake PHP application)

|– docker/

|– docker-compose.yml

---

Place your Cake PHP application files inside the app folder.

Step 2: Write the Dockerfile

The Dockerfile defines how the Cake PHP application will run inside a container. Create a Dockerfile inside the docker folder with the following content:

---

# Use the official PHP image with Apache

FROM php:8.2-apache

 

# Install required PHP extensions

RUN docker-php-ext-install pdo pdo_mysql mysqli

 

# Enable mod_rewrite for Apache

RUN a2enmod rewrite

 

# Copy Cake PHP application to the container

COPY ../app /var/www/html

 

# Set permissions for the application

RUN chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html

 

# Set the working directory

WORKDIR /var/www/html

 

# Expose port 80

EXPOSE 80

---

Step 3: Configure Docker Compose

Docker Compose simplifies managing multiple containers. Create a docker-compose.yml file in the project root directory. Here is the configuration:

---

version: ‘3.8’

services:

  app:

    build:

      context: ./docker

    ports:

      – “8080:80”

    volumes:

      – ./app:/var/www/html

    environment:

      – APP_ENV=development

    depends_on:

      – db

  db:

    image: mysql:8.0

    environment:

      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: rootpassword

      MYSQL_DATABASE: cakephp

      MYSQL_USER: cakephpuser

      MYSQL_PASSWORD: cakephp_password

    volumes:

      – db_data:/var/lib/mysql

volumes:

  db_data:

---

Step 4: Prepare Your Database Configuration

Update the app/config/app_local.php file in your Cake PHP project to match the database credentials from the Docker Compose file. Here is an example:

---

‘DataSources’ => [

    ‘default’ => [

        ‘host’ => ‘db’,

        ‘username’ => ‘cakephpuser’,

        ‘password’ => ‘cakephp_password’,

        ‘database’ => ‘cakephp’,

        ‘port’ => ‘3306’,

        ‘driver’ => ‘Cake\Database\Driver\Mysql’,

    ],

],

---

Step 5: Build and Start Your Containers

Navigate to the root directory of your project. Use the following command to build and start your Docker containers:

docker-compose up –build

This command builds the containers and starts the services defined in docker-compose.yml. Your Cake PHP application should now be accessible at http://localhost:8080.

Step 6: Test Your Application

Visit http://localhost:8080 in your browser. You should see your Cake PHP application running. If there are issues, check the Docker logs with:

docker-compose logs

Step 7: Optimize for Production

For production deployment, make some adjustments:

1. Use a secure MySQL root password and database credentials.
2. Enable caching and disable debug mode in your Cake PHP configuration.
3. Add SSL support for secure connections.
4. Use a separate Dockerfile for production to reduce the image size.

Here is an example production Dockerfile:

---

FROM php:8.2-apache

RUN docker-php-ext-install pdo pdo_mysql mysqli && \

    a2enmod rewrite

COPY ../app /var/www/html

RUN chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html

WORKDIR /var/www/html

EXPOSE 80

CMD [“apache2-foreground”]

---

Step 8: Manage Updates and Scaling

Keep your application and Docker images updated. Use version control to manage changes. For scaling, deploy your Cake PHP application using a container orchestration tool like Kubernetes.

Why Docker is the Ideal Solution for Deploying CakePHP Applications in 2024

• Docker makes deployment easier by assuring that your CakePHP application works the same way no matter where it runs.  Whether you’re working on your own computer, testing things out, or launching it for real. Docker solves the common issue of “it works on my machine but not on yours.” With Docker, your CakePHP app will act consistently across all environments, eliminating surprises as you progress from one stage to the next.
• One big advantage of using Docker is its portability. It allows taking your application from development through testing to production without much stress on compatibility. It really is very handy in the workplace, especially when you’re working with a team since everyone can get to the same setting and can be very collaborative and productive.
• Docker also helps with scalability. As your CakePHP application grows and your user base increases, Docker allows you to scale your app effortlessly by adding more resources or deploying additional instances. This ensures that your application can handle more traffic without compromising performance.
• In terms of efficiency, Docker uses lightweight containers that consume fewer system resources, helping your application run faster and more efficiently. This is ideal for applications like CakePHP that require a lot of resources to function smoothly.

At The End

Overall, Docker makes managing your CakePHP deployment much easier. It takes care of all the necessary dependencies, configurations, and containerization in one go. This means you can focus on building your application rather than dealing with deployment challenges. With Docker, you’ll create a more reliable, portable, and scalable setup for your CakePHP app, making everything run smoothly from start to finish.

Start using Docker today to make managing, updating, and scaling your CakePHP app easier as your project grows. It offers a simple and effective way to ensure your app is ready for the future, with easy steps for deploying and maintaining it.