Dokku vs Jelastic: What are the differences?

Introduction

Dokku and Jelastic are both deployment platforms that offer different features and functionalities for website hosting. However, there are key differences between the two that set them apart.

1. Virtualization Method: Dokku, being a "mini-Heroku" platform, uses containerization technology based on Docker. It allows users to deploy applications as lightweight containers. On the other hand, Jelastic provides virtualization based on hardware virtual machines (HVM) and containers. It allows users to choose between container-based or virtual machine-based deployment, offering more flexibility.

2. Ease of Use: Dokku is designed for developers, providing a straightforward platform where applications can be deployed easily. It uses a simple command-line interface (CLI) and integrates well with Git. Jelastic, on the other hand, is targeted towards both developers and hosting service providers. It offers a more comprehensive user interface (UI) with graphical controls and dashboards, making it easier for non-technical users to manage their applications.

3. Scalability: Dokku is designed for small to medium-sized applications and environments. While it supports horizontal scaling by deploying multiple instances of the same application, it may require additional configuration and manual management. Jelastic, on the other hand, is built for scalability from the ground up. It provides automatic vertical and horizontal scaling, allowing applications to handle increased traffic and workload seamlessly.

4. Support for Programming Languages: Dokku primarily focuses on supporting popular programming languages like Node.js, Ruby, Python, and Go. Although it can be extended to support other languages, it requires more manual configuration. Jelastic, on the other hand, offers support for a wide range of programming languages, including Java, PHP, Node.js, Ruby, Python, and more. It provides pre-configured runtime environments for each language, simplifying the deployment process.

5. Hosting Environment: Dokku is designed to be self-hosted, meaning it can be installed and run on bare-metal servers or virtual machines provided by cloud service providers. It offers more control and customization options for advanced users. Jelastic, on the other hand, is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that can be used with hosting service providers. It provides a managed hosting environment with automatic scaling, monitoring, and backup features, making it ideal for users looking for a hassle-free hosting solution.

6. Community and Support: Dokku has a strong and active community of developers who contribute to its development and provide support through various channels like GitHub and forums. Being an open-source project, it benefits from community-driven improvements and updates. Jelastic, on the other hand, provides official support through its dedicated support team. It offers 24/7 technical support and provides documentation, tutorials, and a knowledge base to assist users.

In summary, Dokku is a lightweight container-based deployment platform targeted towards developers, while Jelastic is a comprehensive PaaS solution that offers more flexibility, scalability, and support for a wide range of programming languages.