DockSTARTer
DockSTARTer is a CLI tool that helps you install and maintain Docker, Docker Compose, and a curated set of Docker Compose app stacks using a guided, menu-based workflow.
DockSTARTer is a command-line tool that streamlines setting up and maintaining a Docker + Docker Compose environment for running common self-hosted applications. It provides a guided, menu-driven experience to install prerequisites, generate configuration, and deploy/update curated Compose “app stacks” consistently.
Key Features
- Menu-based CLI to select, configure, and manage supported Docker Compose application stacks
- Installs and updates core prerequisites (Docker Engine, Docker Compose, and related dependencies) on supported Linux hosts
- Generates and manages a structured configuration (e.g., environment variables and Compose files) for repeatable deployments
- Built-in workflows for pulling updated images and recreating containers (update/upgrade routines)
- Curated library of commonly used services with standardized defaults to reduce manual Compose authoring
Use Cases
- Quickly bootstrap a homelab server with Docker Compose apps (media, monitoring, utilities)
- Standardize deployments across multiple machines with consistent configuration patterns
- Simplify ongoing maintenance by re-running update routines to refresh images and containers
Limitations and Considerations
- Primarily targets Linux hosts and users comfortable operating from a shell
- Focuses on Docker Compose stacks (not a Kubernetes/orchestrator-first workflow)
DockSTARTer is best suited for users who want a repeatable, guided approach to deploying and maintaining a set of popular Docker Compose services without building every stack from scratch. It acts as an opinionated “starter kit” for homelab-style Docker environments and ongoing updates.