Deployment Overview and Selection Guide

Last Updated: 2026-03-14

If you have not decided which deployment method to use, read this page first, then jump to the detailed guide.

1. Recommended Starting Points

• Complete beginners / want to avoid Docker multi-container setups: start with Single Binary Deployment (simplest).
• First deployment and you want a stable long-term setup: start with Docker Compose Deployment.
• You already run aaPanel: go directly to aaPanel Deployment.
• You need source-level customization or local builds: use Manual Deployment.

2. How to Choose a Deployment Method

Method	Difficulty	Best For	Key Characteristics	Guide
Single Binary (fullstack)	Low	Complete beginners / want to avoid Docker	One binary + one Redis container, zero orchestration	Single Binary Deployment
Docker Compose	Medium	Users who need standardized and repeatable deployment	Container isolation, clear upgrade/rollback path, automation-friendly	Docker Compose Deployment
aaPanel Manual Deployment	Low-Medium	Users already running aaPanel	GUI-oriented operations, suitable for panel-based maintenance	aaPanel Deployment
Manual Deployment (Build from source)	High	Advanced customization and secondary development	Highest control and flexibility	Manual Deployment

3. Pre-Deployment Checklist

• Prepare a Linux server and domain(s) that resolve to your public IP (one domain each for storefront and admin panel)
• Plan your ports (at minimum API port + web ports)
• Set strong random keys in config.yml:
  • jwt.secret
  • user_jwt.secret
• Choose your data stack:
  • Lightweight: SQLite + Redis
  • Recommended for production: PostgreSQL + Redis
• Choose one default admin initialization method:
  • Environment variables: DJ_DEFAULT_ADMIN_USERNAME / DJ_DEFAULT_ADMIN_PASSWORD
  • config.yml: bootstrap.default_admin_username / bootstrap.default_admin_password

4. Recommended Paths

• You're a complete beginner who just wants to get up and running fast: use Single Binary Deployment.
• New user: start with Docker Compose; if you already use aaPanel, go directly to the aaPanel guide.
• Long-term operations with stable repeatability: use Docker Compose.
• Deep customization or local build workflow: use manual deployment.

5. After Deployment

1. Verify service status:
   • API health endpoint: /health
   • User/Admin pages accessible
2. Change the admin password immediately after first login.
3. Configure payment settings and callback URLs (see Payment Configuration & Callback Guide).
4. Enable HTTPS in your reverse proxy, panel, or container ingress layer according to the deployment method you selected.