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Are there any specific configurations needed for Bun to work with Next.js in Docker


To successfully configure Bun to work with Next.js in a Docker environment, several specific settings and practices are recommended:

Key Configurations

1. Docker Base Image:
- Use the official Bun image as your base image in the Dockerfile. You can choose between the standard or the Alpine version for a lighter footprint:

dockerfile
     FROM oven/bun
     # or for a lighter image
     FROM oven/bun:alpine
     

2. Working Directory:
- Set the working directory inside the container to keep your application organized:

dockerfile
     WORKDIR /app
     

3. Dependency Management:
- Copy only the `package.json` and lock files first to leverage Docker's caching mechanism:

dockerfile
     COPY package.json bun.lockb ./
     RUN bun install --frozen-lockfile
     

4. Building the Application:
- After installing dependencies, copy the rest of your application files and build your Next.js app:

dockerfile
     COPY . .
     RUN bun run build
     

5. Environment Variables:
- Set necessary environment variables, such as disabling telemetry if needed:

dockerfile
     ENV NEXT_TELEMETRY_DISABLED 1
     

6. Running the Application:
- Use Bun to start your Next.js application in production mode:

dockerfile
     CMD ["bun", "server.js"]
     

Additional Considerations

- Standalone Output: Modify your `next.config.js` file to enable standalone builds, which is crucial for running Next.js efficiently in Docker environments. This configuration allows you to create a more compact output that includes only what is necessary for production.

- Common Issues: Some users have reported issues with incomplete build outputs when using Bun in Docker. If you encounter such problems, consider using a Node.js fallback for features not yet implemented in Bun by using an image like `imbios/bun-node` instead of `oven/bun`[2][6].

- Custom Scripts: Implement custom shell scripts if needed to streamline builds or manage environment-specific configurations during deployment[8].

By following these configurations and recommendations, you can effectively set up a Next.js application with Bun in a Docker container, leveraging Bun's performance advantages while ensuring compatibility with Next.js features.

Citations:
[1] https://shipyard.build/blog/nextjs-with-docker/
[2] https://www.angelospanag.me/blog/containerising-nextjs-using-docker-and-bun
[3] https://github.com/nbeck415/bun-nextjs-dockerized
[4] https://github.com/oven-sh/bun/issues/4795
[5] https://bun.sh/guides/ecosystem/nextjs
[6] https://app.daily.dev/posts/complete-guide-to-deploying-next-js-standalone-with-bun-and-docker-co8fzglyn
[7] https://dev.to/imamdev_/complete-guide-to-deploying-nextjs-standalone-with-bun-and-docker-1fc9?comments_sort=top
[8] https://dev.to/imamdev_/complete-guide-to-deploying-nextjs-standalone-with-bun-and-docker-1fc9