Docker Microservices Application

Overview

This project demonstrates a microservice-based architecture using Docker and Docker Compose. It integrates multiple technology stacks into a single, containerised system, showcasing real-world deployment practices. The project was developed for COMP 30520: Cloud Computing at University College Dublin.

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System Architecture

The system consists of four main components:

• WebApp (Flask-based frontend) - Available at http://localhost:8090
• API (FastAPI backend service) - Internal service running on port 8080, not directly exposed externally
• Database (PostgreSQL) - Internal database for data persistence
• Adminer (Database management interface) - Available at http://localhost:8091

Services are deployed using Docker Compose, with dedicated backend networks ensuring proper isolation between components.

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Technologies Used

• Python 3.9
  • Flask (Web Frontend)
  • FastAPI (Backend API)
• PostgreSQL (Database)
• Adminer (Database Admin Interface)
• Docker and Docker Compose

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How to Run

1. Clone this repository:

git clone git@github.com:treasa-murphy/docker-microservices-app.git
cd docker-microservices-app

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2. Create a .env file in the project root:

POSTGRES_DB=students
POSTGRES_USER=postgres
POSTGRES_PASSWORD=password

(Make sure these match the environment expected by your API and Database containers.)

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3. Build and start all services:

docker compose up --build -d

This will:

• Build the images if needed
• Create and start containers for WebApp, API, Database, and Adminer
• Set up networking between services

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4. Access the application:

• WebApp (Flask Frontend): http://localhost:8090
• Adminer (Database GUI): http://localhost:8091

The API (FastAPI service) is running internally on port 8080, communicating with the WebApp.

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Important Notes

• Ensure Docker Desktop is running before starting the application.
• To stop all services, run:

docker compose down

• The FastAPI interactive documentation is available internally (at /docs), if accessed from inside the network.

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Course Information

• Module: COMP30520 - Cloud Computing
• Instructor: Dimitris Chatzopoulos
• Teaching Assistant: John Byabazaire
• Institution: University College Dublin (UCD)

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