Ruby · deploy guide

Deploy Ruby on Rails on DockHive

Rails in production mode. Set SECRET_KEY_BASE in env. DockHive recognises it from a Gemfile with the rails gem, or a bin/rails file, so you don't write a Dockerfile or a deploy config. Drone builds it, fixes failed builds and puts it live with HTTPS.

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01

Deploy with Drone (zero config)

Drone is DockHive's AI deploy agent. It reads the repository, works out the stack, writes the Dockerfile, picks the port and health check and lists the env vars your Rails app needs.

  1. 1 Push to GitHubPush the project to a GitHub repository. No Dockerfile or deploy config needed.
  2. 2 Pick the repoIn the DockHive console, open App Hosting and choose the repository.
  3. 3 Deploy with DroneDrone builds it. If the build or health check fails it reads the logs, fixes the build setup and retries, then goes live on <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS.

Drone saves the working setup, so every push to the repository redeploys automatically. How Drone works

02

Deploy from the terminal

Install the hivepod CLI, sign in once, then run hivepod deploy in the project folder. It uploads the folder (without .git, node_modules, virtualenvs or secrets) and Drone builds it.

macOS and Linux
$ curl -fsSL https://dockhive.io/install.sh | sh
Windows (PowerShell)
> irm https://dockhive.io/install.ps1 | iex
Sign in
$ hivepod login
In your Ruby on Rails folder
$ hivepod deploy

Deploying the same folder again updates the same app. Set variables on the way with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value.

03

Deploy from your AI agent (MCP)

The CLI includes an MCP server. Add it to Claude Code, then ask your agent to "deploy this to DockHive". The agent calls the deploy tool and hands back the live URL, or Drone's summary and any missing env vars if something needs your input.

Claude Code
$ claude mcp add dockhive -- hivepod mcp

Using Claude Desktop, Cursor or Windsurf? Set up the DockHive MCP server.

04

What DockHive detects for Ruby on Rails

Detection reads your files; it never runs your code. Recognised by a Gemfile with the rails gem, or a bin/rails file. These are the defaults; DockHive derives the exact commands from your repository (lockfile, scripts, entry module).

Default port
3000
Install
bundle install
Build
rails assets:precompile
Start
rails server
  • Assets are precompiled during the build (with a dummy secret, so the build does not need your real one).
  • Start: bundle exec rails server -b 0.0.0.0 -p $PORT.
  • Recognised by a Gemfile that includes the rails gem (or a bin/rails file).
  • Ruby version: from .ruby-version (3.x); 3.3 when unset.
  • Generated images set PORT, listen on 0.0.0.0:$PORT and run as a non-root user wherever the runtime allows. Nothing is written back to your repository.
  • Monorepo? When the repository root isn't an app, DockHive looks one level down (app, web, frontend, backend, server, api, src, site, client first).

05

Environment variables and custom domains

Environment variables

Drone spots the variables your app reads. Set the values in the console, with --env on hivepod deploy, or through your agent. Values are write-only. Secrets and .env files are never uploaded.

  • SECRET_KEY_BASE: Rails needs it in production mode.

Custom domains

Every app gets <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS. To use your own domain, add it to the app and point a CNAME record at DockHive; the Let's Encrypt certificate is issued automatically.

Ruby on Rails on DockHive: FAQ

Do I need a Dockerfile to deploy Ruby on Rails on DockHive?

No. DockHive recognises a Rails app (from a Gemfile with the rails gem, or a bin/rails file) and generates the build itself. If your app directory already has a Dockerfile, DockHive builds that instead.

Which port does a Rails app use on DockHive?

The default for Ruby on Rails is 3000. DockHive sets the PORT environment variable and starts the app on 0.0.0.0:$PORT, so code that reads PORT works as-is.

How do I set environment variables for my Rails app?

Drone spots the variables your app needs. Set the values in the DockHive console, with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value, or from your AI agent over MCP. Ruby on Rails needs SECRET_KEY_BASE set. Secrets and .env files are never uploaded.

Does every push redeploy my Rails app?

Yes. After the first successful deploy Drone saves the working setup, and every push to the connected GitHub repository redeploys automatically.

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