DockSTARTer is an open-source Bash script suite that simplifies installing Docker and managing over 100 self-hosted applications via Docker containers on Linux and macOS, perfect for homelab and self-hosting enthusiasts.

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🚀 Overview

DockSTARTer is a powerful set of scripts designed to make Docker accessible to everyone by automating the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Docker-based self-hosted apps. With a single command, it sets up Docker and Docker Compose, then provides an interactive menu to select and configure apps like media servers, download automators, and home automation tools.

It solves the common pain points of Docker: complex manual setup of compose files, volumes, networks, ports, and updates. Beginners can get a full homelab running in minutes without reading docs, while advanced users appreciate the automation for routine tasks.

Built for self-hosters, homelab tinkerers, HTPC builders, and developers dipping into containerization. The project was created by GhostWriters to streamline self-hosting, inspired by AtoMiC-ToolKit from SmartHomeBeginner.com and leveraging reliable LinuxServer.io images.

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✨ Key Features

• One-liner installation script supporting Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, CentOS, Alpine, Raspbian, OpenMediaVault, and macOS with automatic dependency handling and reboot.
• Interactive full-screen TUI menu (via ds command) for full setup, enabling/disabling over 100 apps, configuration tweaks, updates, backups, restores, logs, and troubleshooting.
• Vast app library (100+) including Jellyfin, Emby, Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Bazarr, Home Assistant, Bitwarden, AdGuard, Gitea, Immich, and more, with x86_64 and aarch64 support.
• Upcoming: Continued app additions from community requests, improved GUI elements, and companion tools like DSAC for app config.

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🛠 Tech Stack

• CLI: Bash Shell scripts, whiptail/dialog for menus
• Container Runtime: Docker
• Orchestration: Docker Compose
• App Templates: GitHub DockSTARTer-Templates repo
• Hosting: Self-hosted (Linux distros, macOS)

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👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

• Self-hosting enthusiasts who want to ___run media servers and automation without Docker expertise
• Homelab builders looking for ___quick, reliable app deployments on Raspberry Pi or servers
• Developers and sysadmins building ___personal clouds or testing environments

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📸 Screenshots / Demo

• Live demo: https://dockstarter.com (install via script and run ds)
• GitHub: https://github.com/GhostWriters/DockSTARTer

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🔥 Project Status

• 🟢 Actively building

Last updated: 2026-03-24

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❓ FAQ

Is this project free?

Yes — Open Source (MIT License). Donations appreciated via Open Collective.

Is the source code available?

Yes — link to repository https://github.com/GhostWriters/DockSTARTer

Can I contribute?

Yes — Open GitHub issues for bugs/features, submit PRs following CONTRIBUTING.md and CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md. Join Discord/Reddit for feedback and testing.

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📬 Contact & Links

• Website: https://dockstarter.com
• GitHub: https://github.com/GhostWriters/DockSTARTer
• Twitter/X: N/A
• Email: N/A (use GitHub/Discord)
• Discord: https://dockstarter.com/basics/support/
• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DockSTARTer/
• Open Collective: https://opencollective.com/DockSTARTer

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