Self-hosted DevOps tools split into a few layers: container management, deployment orchestration, Git hosting, and CI/CD automation.
Use this page as a map before installing the heaviest tool in the category.
The Short Version
| Tool | Best For | What It Is Not |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Multi-server deployment and Docker stack management | A tiny single-host compose UI |
| Portainer | General container management through a UI | A Git hosting or CI/CD platform |
| Dockge | Simple Docker Compose stack management | A full deployment platform |
| Gitea | Lightweight self-hosted Git forge | A full GitLab-style DevOps suite |
| GitLab CE | Full-featured Git, issues, CI/CD, registry, and DevOps workflows | Lightweight |
| Gogs | Minimal self-hosted Git hosting | A modern full DevOps platform |
| Jenkins | CI/CD automation server | Git hosting or container management UI |
Container And Deployment Panels
Komodo
Komodo is for managing deployments across servers.
Use Komodo when you want:
- a central deployment panel
- remote server agents
- Docker stack management
- repository sync and build workflows
- procedures and automation across more than one host
Useful link:
Portainer
Portainer is the broad container-management UI.
Use Portainer when you want:
- a visual interface for Docker containers
- stack management
- easier onboarding for people not comfortable in the terminal
Useful link:
Dockge
Dockge is a simpler compose-stack manager.
Use Dockge when you want:
- a focused Docker Compose UI
- a lighter alternative to Portainer
- quick stack editing and lifecycle operations
Useful link:
Git Hosting
Gitea
Gitea is usually the first self-hosted Git forge to try.
Use Gitea when you want:
- Git hosting without a huge operational footprint
- repositories, issues, pull requests, and basic project collaboration
- a lighter alternative to GitLab
Useful link:
GitLab CE
GitLab CE is the heavyweight option.
Use GitLab when you want:
- Git hosting
- CI/CD
- registry and DevOps workflows
- a large integrated platform
Useful link:
Gogs
Gogs is the minimal Git-hosting option.
Use Gogs when you want:
- a small Git server
- simple repository hosting
- a lower-resource alternative to larger forges
Useful link:
CI/CD
Jenkins
Jenkins is the classic self-hosted automation server.
Use Jenkins when you want:
- build and test automation
- deployment pipelines
- plugin-heavy CI/CD workflows
- a standalone automation server independent of your Git forge
Useful link:
Choosing One
| If You Need… | Start With |
|---|---|
| Multi-server Docker deployments | Komodo |
| General Docker UI | Portainer |
| Simple compose stack management | Dockge |
| Lightweight Git hosting | Gitea |
| Full DevOps suite | GitLab CE |
| Minimal Git hosting | Gogs |
| CI/CD automation | Jenkins |
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