How to Install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04

 


Many administrators prefer containerized workloads because they simplify deployment, isolate dependencies, and make upgrades easier to manage. A common example is running WordPress as a containerized application stack. When you install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04, the entire environment including the web server, PHP runtime, and database can run in coordinated containers.

Docker Compose provides a declarative method for defining multi container applications. Instead of installing each service individually, the entire stack is described in a configuration file. Once defined, Docker Compose launches the containers, connects them through a private network, and manages persistent volumes automatically.

This approach is especially useful for WordPress because the platform depends on multiple services such as a database server and PHP runtime. A Compose configuration ensures that these components start in the correct order and remain connected.

This tutorial explains how to install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04 using a practical deployment structure. The guide covers installing Docker, defining the container stack, launching the environment, and securing the installation. Additional sections also address performance considerations and troubleshooting scenarios that often appear in real deployments.

Prerequisites

Before you install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04, confirm that the server environment satisfies several technical requirements. Container workloads are lightweight, but WordPress still requires adequate resources for stable operation.

Recommended Server Resources

ComponentRecommended Specification
CPU2 cores or more
RAM2 to 4 GB
Storage20 GB available disk
NetworkPublic IPv4 address
OSUbuntu 24.04 LTS

These values support a small production deployment. Larger websites or high traffic environments may require additional CPU capacity and memory.

Environment Preparation Checklist

Verify the following conditions before beginning the installation process.

  • Ubuntu 24.04 server installed

  • Root or sudo privileges available

  • DNS record pointing to the server

  • Firewall configured to allow web traffic

  • System packages updated

Update the operating system packages before installing Docker.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Keeping the system current reduces the chance of dependency conflicts later in the installation process.

Understanding the Container Architecture

Running WordPress inside containers changes the typical architecture slightly. Instead of installing services directly on the host, each component runs within its own container.

WordPress Application Container

The WordPress container includes the PHP runtime and Apache web server. It serves the website files and handles requests from visitors.

Database Container

A MariaDB container stores the WordPress database. Separating the database service makes the system easier to scale or replace without affecting the application container.

Persistent Volumes

Volumes ensure that website data remains available even if containers restart. WordPress files and database storage should both use persistent volumes.

This separation keeps the host system clean and allows the stack to be redeployed easily on another server if necessary.

Installing Docker and Docker Compose

The first step when preparing to install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04 is installing the container runtime.

Install Docker using the package manager.

sudo apt install docker.io -y

Start and enable the Docker service.

sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

Verify the installation.

docker --version

Next install Docker Compose which orchestrates multi container applications.

sudo apt install docker-compose-plugin -y

Confirm that the Compose plugin is available.

docker compose version

Step by Step Walkthrough

This section explains how to install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04 using a practical container stack.

Step 1 Create a Project Directory

Create a directory that will hold the Compose configuration and related files.

mkdir wordpress-docker
cd wordpress-docker

Keeping project files organized makes future maintenance easier.

Step 2 Create the Compose Configuration

Create a new configuration file.

nano docker-compose.yml

Add a basic WordPress stack configuration.

services:
  db:
    image: mariadb:10.6
    container_name: wordpress_db
    restart: always
    environment:
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: strongrootpassword
      MYSQL_DATABASE: wordpress
      MYSQL_USER: wpuser
      MYSQL_PASSWORD: wppassword
    volumes:
      - db_data:/var/lib/mysql

  wordpress:
    image: wordpress:latest
    container_name: wordpress_app
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    environment:
      WORDPRESS_DB_HOST: db:3306
      WORDPRESS_DB_USER: wpuser
      WORDPRESS_DB_PASSWORD: wppassword
      WORDPRESS_DB_NAME: wordpress
    volumes:
      - wp_data:/var/www/html

volumes:
  db_data:
  wp_data:

This configuration launches two containers and connects them through an internal Docker network.

Step 3 Launch the Containers

Start the stack using Docker Compose.

docker compose up -d

Docker downloads the required images and launches the containers in detached mode.

Step 4 Verify Running Containers

Confirm that the containers started successfully.

docker ps

Both the database container and the WordPress container should appear in the output.

Step 5 Complete the WordPress Setup

Open a web browser and navigate to the server IP address. The WordPress installation page should appear, allowing you to complete the standard configuration process.

Security and Hardening

After you install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04, security configuration becomes important. Container isolation helps, but additional hardening protects the application from common attacks.

Use Strong Database Credentials

Replace default passwords with strong credentials. Environment variables defined in the Compose configuration should use complex values.

Limit Container Privileges

Containers should run with minimal privileges whenever possible. Avoid running additional services inside the same container.

Enable Automatic Updates

Regularly update Docker images to receive security patches.

docker compose pull

Then restart the stack.

docker compose up -d

Configure Firewall Rules

Restrict inbound access to only the required ports.

PortProtocolPurpose
80TCPHTTP traffic
443TCPHTTPS traffic
22TCPSSH administration

Limiting unnecessary ports reduces the attack surface of the server.

Performance and Reliability Tips

Containerized WordPress deployments benefit from several practical optimizations.

I followed these steps on a PerLod dedicated server to validate stability under real load.

Separate Database Storage

Using a dedicated volume for the database container prevents accidental data loss if containers are recreated.

Monitor Container Resources

Monitoring container metrics helps detect resource pressure early.

Useful commands include:

docker stats

This command shows CPU and memory usage for running containers.

Consider Reverse Proxy Integration

Many production deployments place a reverse proxy such as Nginx in front of the WordPress container. This allows HTTPS termination, caching, and additional security controls.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when installation succeeds, administrators may encounter issues when they install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04.

Containers Fail to Start

If containers stop immediately after launching, inspect logs.

docker logs wordpress_app

Database connection errors often indicate incorrect environment variables.

Database Connection Errors

Ensure that the database container started before the WordPress container attempts to connect.

You can restart the stack if necessary.

docker compose restart

Website Not Accessible

If the website cannot be reached through the browser, confirm that the container port mapping is correct.

docker ps

The output should show port 80 mapped to the host system.

Data Disappears After Restart

This usually indicates that persistent volumes were not configured correctly. Confirm that the Compose file includes the volume definitions.

Maintaining the Deployment

Routine maintenance helps keep containerized WordPress environments stable.

Administrators should periodically update system packages and container images. Updating containers ensures security patches and bug fixes remain applied.

Log monitoring also helps detect early problems such as failed database queries or resource limitations. Reviewing logs regularly can prevent small issues from turning into service outages.

Backing up both the WordPress volume and the database volume is also critical. Containerization simplifies redeployment, but data protection remains essential.

Conclusion

Running WordPress in containers provides a flexible and repeatable deployment model. When you install WordPress with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04, the entire application stack becomes easier to manage because each service runs independently but remains connected through Docker networking.

Docker Compose simplifies the initial deployment and allows administrators to recreate the environment quickly if the server needs to be rebuilt. Persistent volumes ensure that website files and database data remain intact even when containers are restarted.

With the structure outlined in this guide, you should have a functioning WordPress environment backed by a MariaDB database and managed through Docker Compose. From here you can extend the stack by adding HTTPS support, reverse proxies, automated backups, or monitoring tools depending on the scale and requirements of your deployment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Linux Immutable Distros Explained Simply

 You ever noticed how traditional Linux setups sometimes feel a little fragile? Like one bad update or misconfigured package and boom, you’re knee-deep in recovery mode. That’s where Linux immutable distros come in, and they’re shaking things up in 2025. These systems are designed to be stable, predictable, and nearly bulletproof. If you're wondering what that even means, you’re in the right place. This guide will break down what Linux immutable distros are, why people are switching to them, and which ones you should look into. Whether you're a developer, system admin, or just someone who’s tired of constantly fixing broken installs, this is worth a look. We’ll skip the jargon and get right to what matters. Trust me, once you understand the benefits, it’s hard to go back to the old way. What Does Immutable Even Mean in Linux Let’s clear up the term first. An immutable Linux distro has a read-only root filesystem. That means the core OS files don’t change. Instead of tweakin...
Read more

AI Linux Distro Revolution in 2025

 Let’s be honest, it is wild how fast AI has crept into every corner of tech. You ever noticed how even your desktop wants to feel smarter these days? That is exactly why the AI Linux distro trend is blowing up in 2025. These new distros come preloaded with AI tools, assistant features, and developer frameworks that would have felt futuristic a year ago. Whether you are tinkering in the terminal, building machine learning models, or just want smarter workflows, an AI Linux distro gives you a head start. In this article we dive into what makes an AI Linux distro different, why it matters now, and how you can get started. We will explore top options, practical use cases, and tips to make the most of your AI powered Linux experience. If you want to stay ahead in the Linux world and leverage AI wherever you go, this guide is for you. What Is an AI Linux Distro An AI Linux distro is a distribution designed with artificial intelligence tools baked in. That can mean built in frameworks...
Read more

Linux Gaming Performance Tips That Work

 Let’s be honest. If you’ve ever tried to game on Linux, you probably hit a few snags. Performance quirks, compatibility issues, weird driver drama. It used to be the norm. But here’s the thing: Linux gaming performance has come a long way. Whether you’re running Steam Deck or a full desktop rig, the gap between Windows and Linux is closing fast. And if you know where to tweak, it gets even better. In this article, we’re diving into practical, tested tips to squeeze every bit of performance out of your Linux gaming setup. We’re not talking generic fluff like "close background apps". This is the real stuff: kernel tweaks, compositor settings, driver selection, and launch options that actually make a difference. If you want smoother gameplay, higher FPS, and less stuttering, keep reading. Linux gaming performance can rival or even beat Windows if you tune it right. Let’s get into the good stuff. Why Linux Gaming Performance Matters Gaming on Linux is no longer a fringe experim...
Read more