Docker can solve version drift—but it doesn’t remove operational responsibility. This guide covers the tradeoffs and a minimal setup so you know what you’re signing up for.
Pros
- Repeatable environments
- Clear PHP and dependency versions per stack
- Easier rebuilds after failure (if data is backed up)
Cons
- Networking and storage complexity
- Debugging spans containers and host
- Another layer to monitor and patch
Critical reminder
- Volumes and backups are non-negotiable
- Treat containers as disposable, data as sacred
Minimal setup
- Docker + Docker Compose
- Separate containers for WordPress and DB
- Persistent volumes for uploads and database
FAQ
When is Docker worth it for WordPress?
When you need strict version isolation, repeatable dev/staging parity, or easier rollbacks. For a single site on one server, bare metal or a traditional stack is often simpler. See why servers feel unstable after upgrades for the kind of drift Docker can help avoid.
What’s the first thing to get right?
Volume mounts for wp-content (especially uploads) and the database. Without them, container restarts or rebuilds lose data.
Related
- PHP version drift on multi-site servers — version drift patterns
- Why servers feel unstable after upgrades — post-upgrade instability