Services
Create and manage containerized applications in Senate
Services
Services are the core unit of deployment in Senate. Each service represents a containerized application running on a machine.
Overview
A service in Senate can be:
- A Docker service - single container from an image, Dockerfile, or Git repository
- A Compose service - multi-container application defined by Docker Compose
Creating a Service
From the Dashboard
- Navigate to Services in the sidebar
- Click New Service
- Fill in the service details:
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Unique name for your service | Yes |
| Type | docker or compose | Yes |
| Machine | Target machine for deployment | Yes |
| Project | Optional project grouping | No |
- Click Create
Service Types
Docker Services
Single-container services with flexible source options:
- Docker Image: Pull from Docker Hub or private registries
- Dockerfile: Build from a Dockerfile (inline or from Git)
- Git Repository: Clone and build from a repository
Compose Services
Multi-container applications defined by docker-compose.yml:
- YAML Content: Paste your compose file directly
- Git Repository: Clone and use compose file from repo
Service Configuration
Source Tab
Configure how your service is built and deployed. See Deployments for details.
Environment Tab
Set environment variables for your containers. See Environment Variables.
Domains Tab
Configure custom domains and SSL. See Domains.
Storage Tab
Set up persistent volumes. See Storage.
Ports Tab
Configure port bindings. See Ports.
Advanced Tab
Configure deployment strategies and advanced options:
- Deployment Strategy: Rolling update or recreate
- Health Checks: Container health verification (Coming Soon)
- Resource Limits: CPU and memory constraints (Coming Soon)
Service Lifecycle
Starting and Stopping
From the service Overview tab:
- Start: Start stopped containers
- Stop: Gracefully stop running containers
- Restart: Stop and start containers
Deploying
Click Deploy to:
- Pull/build the latest image
- Create new containers
- Perform rolling update (if configured)
- Remove old containers
Deleting
- Click the menu (⋮) on the service
- Select Delete
- Confirm deletion
Deleting a service removes all containers and associated domains. Volumes are preserved unless manually deleted.
Internal Networking
Services on the same machine can communicate via Docker networking:
# From another container on the same machine
http://myservice-abc123:3000The internal hostname follows the pattern: {name}-{short-id}
Related
- Deployments - Deploy and rollback services
- Machines - Manage deployment targets
- Projects - Organize services