Quick start for dFlow Cloud

Shortest path on dFlow Cloud: account, Worker Node, Application, first Service deployment.

Written By Zoro

Last updated 3 days ago

This is the shortest path from zero to a running Service on dFlow Cloud.

Prerequisites

  • Completed Create your account and workspace and you can sign in at app.dflow.sh.
  • A Linux Worker Node (server or VM) you can reach over SSH, or intent to add managed compute under Worker Nodes and Compute in the sidebar when your plan supports it.
  • Optional: SSH keys under Security and Team Management in the sidebar created or imported in dFlow before Add server.

Skim dFlow Cloud overview under dFlow Cloud in the sidebar and How dFlow is structured under Core Concepts in the sidebar if this is your first time in the product.

1. Add a Worker Node

Workloads run on Worker Nodes (the UI may still say Add server in places).

  1. Open Add server / Add Worker Node from the dashboard (exact label varies by version).
  2. Complete the wizard: host details, SSH access, connection test, save.
  3. Confirm the node appears in your server or compute list.

Expected outcome: At least one Worker Node shows as connected and ready for Environments.

Deep dive: Add a self-hosted server under Worker Nodes and Compute in the sidebar. First-time setup often includes Dokku and tooling on the machine; follow in-product prompts and Worker Nodes overview under Worker Nodes and Compute in the sidebar when published.

2. Create an Application

Applications replace legacy Projects for new work.

  1. Open Create Application (or Create Project if the UI has not migrated yet; see Legacy Projects vs Applications under Core Concepts in the sidebar).
  2. Enter a name following in-product rules and select the Worker Node / placement the wizard requires.
  3. Save.

Expected outcome: You have an Application with a default Environment context you can attach compute to.

Guide: Create an application under Applications in the sidebar.

3. Deploy your first Service

  1. Add a Service (app from Git, Docker image, or database type) inside the Application.
  2. Configure source (Git provider, image, or database), environment variables, and volumes as prompted.
  3. Deploy or Redeploy so the change goes live.

Expected outcome: A Deployment succeeds and the Service shows running (or reachable) in the UI.

Follow the full walkthrough: Deploy your first app.

4. Watch logs and iterate

  1. Open build / deploy logs from the Deployment or Service view. See Logs under Deployments and Operations in the sidebar.
  2. Use the Logs tab on the Service for runtime output.
  3. Fix configuration and Redeploy as needed.

If something fails

  • Getting started issues under Troubleshooting in the sidebar
  • Deployment issues under Troubleshooting in the sidebar
  • Compute and worker node issues under Troubleshooting in the sidebar

Next steps