JavaScript · deploy guide

Deploy Svelte on DockHive

Svelte (Vite) single-page app built and served by nginx. DockHive recognises it from svelte together with vite in package.json (without @sveltejs/kit), so you don't write a Dockerfile or a deploy config. Drone builds it, fixes failed builds and puts it live with HTTPS.

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 Svelte 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 Svelte 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 Svelte

Detection reads your files; it never runs your code. Recognised by svelte together with vite in package.json (without @sveltejs/kit). These are the defaults; DockHive derives the exact commands from your repository (lockfile, scripts, entry module).

Default port
8080
Install
npm ci
Build
npm run build
Start
nginx (static files)
  • The build output is served as static files by nginx, so there is no start command and no Node process at run time.
  • Using SvelteKit instead? See the SvelteKit guide.
  • Needs a package.json in the app directory.
  • Node.js version: taken from "engines.node" in package.json and rounded up to 20, 22 or 24 (22 when unset).
  • Package manager: pnpm when there is a pnpm-lock.yaml (or "packageManager": "pnpm@…"), Yarn when there is a yarn.lock, npm otherwise.
  • Install: npm ci with a package-lock.json (npm install without one), pnpm install --frozen-lockfile, or yarn install --frozen-lockfile (--immutable on Yarn Berry).
  • Build: your "build" script runs when package.json has one.
  • 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.

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.

Svelte on DockHive: FAQ

Do I need a Dockerfile to deploy Svelte on DockHive?

No. DockHive recognises a Svelte app (from svelte together with vite in package.json (without @sveltejs/kit)) and generates the build itself. If your app directory already has a Dockerfile, DockHive builds that instead.

Which port does a Svelte app use on DockHive?

The built files are served by nginx on port 8080. You don't configure a server or a port yourself.

How do I set environment variables for my Svelte 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. Secrets and .env files are never uploaded.

Does every push redeploy my Svelte app?

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

Ship your Svelte app today

Start on the Free Tier. The Developer Plan is $3/month. See pricing