What this procedure is
How to install PrestaShop using Docker (recommended for testing or controlled environments).
Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.
Why you would do this
- Spin up a test store quickly.
- Repeat installs reliably.
- Separate app and database containers.
Prerequisites
- Docker and Docker Compose installed.
- Available ports (80/443) or alternates.
- Enough disk space.
Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)
1) Decide if this is testing or production
Expected result: you know whether you need SSL, backups, and persistent volumes.
Docker installation (high-level)
Step 1) Create a docker-compose file
Define services for PrestaShop and MySQL/MariaDB. Use volumes for persistence.
Expected result: a ready docker-compose.yml.
Step 2) Start containers
Run docker compose up -d.
Expected result: containers are “Up”.
Step 3) Complete the web installer
Open the container URL (e.g. http://localhost) and complete the wizard.
Expected result: store installed.
Final verification
- You can log into the Back Office.
- Database persists after restarting containers.
If something doesn’t work (common issues)
Containers do not start
- Check for port conflicts.
- Check PrestaShop/MySQL container logs.
Best practices
- For production, use volumes, backups, and HTTPS via reverse proxy.
- Do not expose MySQL publicly.