Pubky Docker

Pubky Docker runs a full local Pubky environment, including Pubky Homeserver, Homegate, and the Pubky ‘social’ components Pubky Nexus and pubky.app.

Use it to develop an app against a disposable local testnet, or to test changes across the social application’s components. The Developer Guide uses it to provide a Homeserver for your first app. You do not need to run the full stack for every SDK integration.

Warning

Pubky Docker is intended for local development, testing, and experimentation—not production hosting.

Testnet Architecture

The stack includes a local DHT and PKARR relay for discovery, an HTTP relay for authentication, and Homegate for signup. A simple SDK app needs the Homeserver and local protocol services; the social stack also provides Nexus and pubky.app.

The following simplified diagram shows the default local testnet topology:

For authorization during local development, the Ring Simulator can act as the authenticator. The authentication overview explains that flow.

For setup, configuration, and running specific component revisions, see the Pubky Docker README.

Check running component versions with ./list-component-versions.sh.