Hatchbox.io + Digital Ocean

How to host a Rails app on DigitalOcean managed by Hatchbox.io

Chris Oliver's video walkthrough is helpful:

Start in Hatchbox.io and create a new "Server"

• Name it projectname-staging or projectname-production

• Connect to my Digital Ocean account (or the client's)

Add these to the server:

• Name it (the server) projectname-staging or projectname-production

• Always add:

  • web server

  • cron -- this is required in order for Hatchbox to run db:migrate when deployments happen.

If your database is postgres, then you also need:

• PostgreSQL (this checkbox)

(If your database is SQlite, then no database needs to be added.)

If you plan to use Sidekiq for background jobs, then you also need:

• Redis

• Background Worker

(or if using solid cache/queue/cable, then you don't need redis, nor a background worker)

This will create the Droplet in the DigitalOcean account.

• Note: In my DO account, I have multiple "projects", but Hatchbox always creates the droplet in my first project (which is briancasel.com). After creation, in DO, I can "move" the droplet into the "project" that I want. Syncing with Hatchbox will continue normally after moving it to a new project.

Add the app

• Name it projectname-staging or projectname-production

• Add environment variable: RAILS_MASTER_KEY and input my staging or production key.

• If using solid queue, then also add ENV variable: SOLID_QUEUE_IN_PUMA and set it to true

• If this is the staging app, then set environment to staging (not production )

• Connect it to my GitHub repository

• If it's staging, connect it to the staging branch. If production then use main branch.

If using Postgres database

• Create the Postgres Database via Hatchbox this way:

  • Go to the App (not "Databases") > "Databases" > New PostgreSQL database (this button)

  • name it projectname_staging or projectname_production

database.yml for SQLite

• As of this writing (dec 11, 2024) I should disregard instructions in these (old) docs on hatchbox here and here because they contain wrong information.

This is what worked:

• Don't add any ENV variable for DATABASE_URL

• database.yml should have this:

# SQLite. Versions 3.8.0 and up are supported.
#   gem install sqlite3
#
#   Ensure the SQLite 3 gem is defined in your Gemfile
#   gem "sqlite3"
#
default: &default
  adapter: sqlite3
  pool: <%= ENV.fetch("RAILS_MAX_THREADS") { 5 } %>
  timeout: 5000

development:
  <<: *default
  database: storage/development.sqlite3

# Warning: The database defined as "test" will be erased and
# re-generated from your development database when you run "rake".
# Do not set this db to the same as development or production.
test:
  <<: *default
  database: storage/test.sqlite3

# Store production database in the storage/ directory, which by default
# is mounted as a persistent Docker volume in config/deploy.yml.
production:
  primary:
    <<: *default
    database: storage/production.sqlite3
  cache:
    <<: *default
    database: storage/production_cache.sqlite3
    migrations_paths: db/cache_migrate
  queue:
    <<: *default
    database: storage/production_queue.sqlite3
    migrations_paths: db/queue_migrate
  cable:
    <<: *default
    database: storage/production_cable.sqlite3
    migrations_paths: db/cable_migrate

Using Solid queue / cache / cable?

Follow these instructions to set up the app:

• If using postgres, follow this

• If using SQLite, follow this

Deploy the app.

• I can use Hatchbox's web interface, or I can enable auto deploy on git push to the branch.

Add SSH keys to Hatchbox

In my personal Hatchbox.io account, I have already done this for my Macs. If I get a new computer, then I'll need to do this again.

My SSH credentials should be saved in my 1Password.

Connect TablePlus for database viewing — Only if using Postgres!

(if using SQLite: TablePlus doesn't currently support SSH to SQLite, see issue here)

Hatchbox requires SSH tunnelling. Set it up as follows:

• This won't work unless you've already added your Mac's SSH key to Hatchbox.

• See my settings: https://share.cleanshot.com/8pv5Lkqg

• Get database name, username, password, and IP address in the database info provided in Hatchbox.

• In TablePlus, check the box for "Use SSH Key"

• Then click the button to upload the SSH key

  • Get this from my 1password record for my Mac's SSH:

    • Hover over "Private key" and click "Export".

    • Download unecrypted key to my desktop.

    • Upload that file to Tableplus.

• The User value in the SSH setting should be deploy

• Click "Continue" if you see this: https://share.cleanshot.com/ydjVGHfP

• Click "Test" and it should all be green and good to go.