Hostim.dev

About Hostim.dev

Hostim.dev is a bare-metal Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) designed to return simplicity and control to developers. At its core, it is a platform that allows you to run containerized applications without the typical infrastructure management overhead. It is built for developers who want to move from code to a live, production-ready application quickly, using the tools they already know, like Docker and Git. The platform automates the provisioning and connection of essential services such as databases and storage, handles security essentials like HTTPS, and provides real-time observability. Every project is isolated in its own Kubernetes namespace, offering a clean and secure environment. Hostim.dev operates on bare-metal servers in Germany, ensuring GDPR-compliant hosting by default. Its main value proposition is straightforward: it combines the power and portability of containers with the simplicity of a managed platform, offering predictable, flat pricing and eliminating the complexity and surprise bills associated with large cloud providers. It is fundamentally a tool to help developers focus on building their application, not on managing the infrastructure it runs on.

Features of Hostim.dev

Simple Deployment from Docker, Git, or Compose

Hostim.dev eliminates complex deployment pipelines. You can launch your application directly from a public Docker image, connect a Git repository for automatic deployments, or paste an entire Docker Compose file. This means you can deploy your existing application stack in minutes, with zero rewrites required. The platform takes your Compose file, with all its defined services, and makes it live, handling the underlying orchestration automatically so you don't have to learn or write Kubernetes YAML.

Built-in Managed Databases and Persistent Storage

The platform provides instant, one-click provisioning of essential data services. You can add managed MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Redis databases to your project with a single click. These services are automatically connected to your application containers with environment variables pre-wired, removing the manual configuration and connection overhead. Persistent volumes for file storage are also included, ensuring your application data survives container restarts and redeployments.

Transparent Project Isolation and Cost Tracking

Every application or client project you create on Hostim.dev runs in its own isolated Kubernetes namespace. This provides a fundamental layer of security and resource separation. Crucially, each project has its own dedicated cost tracking. You can see exactly what each project costs, which enables clean handovers to clients and prevents cost overruns from one project affecting another. This isolation is a foundational principle for maintaining clear boundaries in development work.

EU Bare-Metal Hosting with GDPR Compliance

Your applications are hosted on dedicated bare-metal servers in Germany, not on virtualized cloud instances. This approach can offer performance benefits and greater predictability. By being hosted in Germany, the platform is GDPR-compliant by default, which is a critical consideration for developers and businesses serving the European market. You get the benefits of a powerful infrastructure without the legal and logistical complexity of navigating international data privacy laws.

Use Cases of Hostim.dev

Freelancers and Solo Developers

For independent developers, Hostim.dev provides a fast path to shipping software. It allows you to deploy a full-stack application from a Docker Compose file in minutes, without needing deep DevOps expertise. The per-project billing model is perfect for client work, as you can create a separate, isolated project for each client and hand over a clean, costed environment upon project completion, all while avoiding server management duties.

Digital Agencies and Development Shops

Agencies can use Hostim.dev to maintain clear separation between different client projects. Each client's application runs in its own isolated namespace with a precise cost breakdown. This simplifies internal accounting and provides transparency for client billing. The EU-based, GDPR-compliant hosting is also a significant advantage when serving European clients who have strict data residency and privacy requirements.

Startups and SaaS Projects

Early-stage startups can launch their minimum viable product (MVP) rapidly using familiar Docker tooling. The platform's built-in databases and automatic HTTPS remove early infrastructure hurdles. The flat, predictable pricing model protects against unexpected usage-based bills from larger cloud providers, which is crucial for budgeting during the early phases of a business.

Students and Learners

Hostim.dev serves as an excellent educational platform for students learning modern development. It allows them to deploy real-world applications using Docker, connect actual databases, and understand deployment workflows on a real, live platform. The free trial and student credits lower the barrier to entry, enabling learners to build portfolio projects that are genuinely hosted and accessible, not just running locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the free tier include?

The free tier includes a 5-day trial project with no credit card required to start. Beyond the trial, core services like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, and persistent volumes have permanently free usage tiers with generous limits. This allows you to run small applications or prototypes at no cost. The platform is designed to let you explore and build without an immediate financial commitment.

Can I deploy with just a Docker Compose file?

Yes, absolutely. This is a core feature of Hostim.dev. You can copy and paste your existing docker-compose.yml file directly into the platform's interface. The system will parse it and deploy all the defined services, handling the networking and orchestration automatically. There is no need to rewrite your Compose file into another format like Kubernetes YAML.

Where is my application hosted?

All applications on Hostim.dev are hosted on bare-metal servers located in a secure data center in Germany. This provides GDPR-compliant hosting by default due to the physical location of the data. Choosing a specific, EU-based location simplifies compliance for developers and businesses that need to adhere to European data protection regulations.

Do I need to know Kubernetes to use Hostim.dev?

No, you do not need to know Kubernetes. Hostim.dev uses Kubernetes as its robust underlying orchestration engine, but it abstracts all the complexity away from you. You interact with the platform using Docker concepts (images, Compose files) or Git. The platform manages all the Kubernetes objects and configurations for you, allowing you to benefit from its power without needing to learn its intricacies.