Docker & Kubernetes for Startups: Start Simple, Scale Right

The Startup Infrastructure Trap

Every startup dreams of Netflix-scale infrastructure. Most startups need a couple of VMs and a managed database. Over-engineering early kills velocity.

Phase 1: Single Docker Compose

For most early-stage apps, docker-compose.yml with your app + database + Redis is plenty.

services:
  app:
    build: .
    ports: ["3000:3000"]
    depends_on: [db, redis]
  db:
    image: postgres:16
  redis:
    image: redis:7-alpine

Phase 2: Managed Services

Before Kubernetes, explore managed options: Railway, Fly.io, Render, or AWS ECS. They give container orchestration without the ops burden.

Phase 3: Kubernetes — When You're Ready

You probably need Kubernetes when you have multiple teams deploying independently, complex traffic routing needs, or significant scale (1000+ RPS).

Conclusion

Don't reach for Kubernetes on day one. Reach for it when the pain of not having it is greater than the pain of operating it.