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Containerize a Next.js application

Table of contents
This guide explains how to containerize Next.js applications, set up development and testing in containers, automate builds with GitHub Actions, and deploy to Kubernetes.
Time to complete 20 minutes

This guide shows you how to containerize a Next.js application using Docker, following best practices for creating efficient, production-ready containers.

Next.js is a React framework that enables server-side rendering, static site generation, and full-stack capabilities. Docker provides a consistent containerized environment from development to production.

Acknowledgment

Docker extends its sincere gratitude to Kristiyan Velkov for authoring this guide and contributing the official Next.js Docker examples to the Vercel Next.js repository, including the standalone and export output examples. As a Docker Captain and experienced engineer, his expertise in Docker, DevOps, and modern web development has made this resource invaluable for the community, helping developers navigate and optimize their Docker workflows.

What will you learn?

In this guide, you will learn how to:

  • Containerize and run a Next.js application using Docker.
  • Set up a local development environment for Next.js inside a container.
  • Run tests for your Next.js application within a Docker container.
  • Configure a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions for your containerized app.
  • Deploy the containerized Next.js application to a local Kubernetes cluster for testing and debugging.

To begin, you'll start by containerizing an existing Next.js application.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you're familiar with the following:

  • Basic understanding of JavaScript or TypeScript.
  • Basic knowledge of Node.js and npm for managing dependencies and running scripts.
  • Familiarity with React and Next.js fundamentals.
  • Understanding of Docker concepts such as images, containers, and Dockerfiles. If you're new to Docker, start with the Docker basics guide.

Once you've completed the Next.js getting started modules, you'll be ready to containerize your own Next.js application using the examples and instructions provided in this guide.

Modules

  1. Containerize

    Learn how to containerize a Next.js application with Docker by creating an optimized, production-ready image using best practices for performance, security, and scalability.

  2. Develop your app

    Learn how to develop your Next.js application locally using containers.

  3. Run your tests and lint

    Learn how to run your Next.js tests and lint in a container.

  4. Automate your builds with GitHub Actions

    Learn how to configure CI/CD using GitHub Actions for your Next.js application.

  5. Test your deployment

    Learn how to deploy locally to test and debug your Kubernetes deployment