Torrenting for the Lazy: Deluge + Docker = Minimal Effort

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Managing torrents is much easier with Docker. This guide will show you how to set up Deluge, a popular BitTorrent client, using Docker Compose. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional Deluge setup running in a Docker container, making torrent management simple and quick.

What is Docker Compose?

Docker Compose is a tool that allows you to define and run multi-container Docker applications. With a single command, you can start all the services from your configuration file.

Why Choose Deluge?

Deluge is a powerful, lightweight BitTorrent client that works across various platforms. It has a rich collection of plugins and supports many configurations, making it a favorite among torrent users.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

  1. Docker installed.
  2. Docker Compose installed.
  3. A basic understanding of Docker and container concepts.

Docker Compose Configuration

Here’s a basic Docker Compose configuration for Deluge:

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version: "2.1"
services:
  deluge:
    image: linuxserver/deluge:2.1.1
    container_name: deluge
    environment:
      - PUID=1000
      - PGID=1000
      - TZ=Etc/UTC
      - DELUGE_LOGLEVEL=error # optional
    volumes:
      - /media/media0/deluge/config:/config
      - /media/media0/deluge/downloads:/downloads
    ports:
      - 8112:8112
      - 6881:6881
      - 6881:6881/udp
    restart: unless-stopped

Configuration Breakdown

  • version: "2.1": Specifies the Docker Compose file version.
  • services: Lists the services to be deployed.
  • deluge: The Deluge service.
    • image: The Docker image to use, here it’s linuxserver/deluge:2.1.1.
    • container_name: Names the container for easier management.
    • environment: Sets environment variables:
      • PUID=1000 and PGID=1000: User and group IDs for permissions.
      • TZ=Etc/UTC: Timezone.
      • DELUGE_LOGLEVEL=error: Optional log level.
    • volumes: Maps host directories to container directories:
      • /media/media0/deluge/config:/config: For configuration files.
      • /media/media0/deluge/downloads:/downloads: For downloaded files.
    • ports: Maps host ports to container ports:
      • 8112:8112: Web UI port.
      • 6881:6881 and 6881:6881/udp: Torrent ports.
    • restart: unless-stopped: Automatically restarts the container unless stopped manually.

Setting Up Deluge

  1. Create the Directory Structure: Make sure the directories in the volumes section exist:

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    mkdir -p /media/media0/deluge/config
    mkdir -p /media/media0/deluge/downloads

  2. Run Docker Compose: Navigate to the directory with your docker-compose.yml file and run:

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    docker-compose up -d

    The -d flag runs the containers in detached mode.

  3. Access the Deluge Web UI: Open your web browser and go to http://<your-server-ip>:8112. You should see the Deluge web interface.

  4. Default Password: The default password is deluge. Change it in the settings for security.

Conclusion

Setting up Deluge with Docker Compose is easy and efficient. This setup lets you manage your torrents effortlessly, providing a smooth experience. Docker simplifies the deployment process and keeps your system organized.

Feel free to customize the Docker Compose file to meet your specific needs. Happy torrenting!