Directory Structure
Understanding how to organize your Docker containers and related files is crucial for maintaining a scalable and manageable infrastructure.
Service-Based Organization
The most straightforward approach is to organize containers by service, with each service having its dedicated directory. This structure provides clear separation and makes individual service management easier.
Directoryhome
- docker
Directorynginx-proxy-manager
- docker-compose.yml
- .env
Directorydata/
- …
Directorydb/
- …
Directorysome-service
- docker-compose.yml
- .env
Directorydata/
- …
Centralized Organization
For easier backup and maintenance, you can centralize all configurations and data in a single location:
Directoryhome
Directorydocker
- docker-compose.yml
- .env
Directoryapp-data
Directorynginx-proxy-managher
Directorydata/
- …
Directorydb/
- …
Directorysome-service
Directorydata/
- …
Split Configuration Files
For complex setups, maintaining separate compose files while centralizing data can provide better organization:
Directoryhome
Directorydocker
- docker-compose-nginx-proxy-manager.yml
- .env-nginx-proxy-manager
- docker-compose-some-service.yml
- .env-some-service
Directoryapp-data
Directorynginx-proxy-managher
Directorydata/
- …
Directorydb/
- …
Directorysome-service
Directorydata/
- …
System-Wide Installation
For production environments, consider separating configurations and data across system directories for enhanced security and organization:
Directory/
Directoryroot
Directorydocker
Directorycontaienrs
Directorynginx-proxy-manager
- docker-compose.yml
- .env
Directorysome-service
- docker-compose.yml
- .env
Directorysecrets
- nginx-proxy-manager-db-pwd
Directorysrv
Directorynginx-proxy-manager
Directorydata/
- …
Directorydb/
- …
Directorysome-service
Directorydata/
- …
Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution - choose the structure that best aligns with your specific needs and operational requirements.