Docker or Git Deploy
Push your code or a pre-built Docker image. We handle the build and deployment process automatically.
What "Rust hosting" means today
Rust applications are known for their incredible performance and memory safety. Like Go, they compile down to a single, static binary, which simplifies distribution but requires a different hosting approach than interpreted languages.
The Power of Static Binaries
A Rust app doesn't need a heavy runtime environment. You can build your app into a "scratch" Docker container that contains nothing but your binary, resulting in ultra-small, secure images that start instantly.
Why Docker is the perfect match
Docker allows you to use multi-stage builds: compile your code in a heavy image with all the build tools, then copy just the binary to a tiny production image. This ensures reproducible builds and keeps your production environment clean.
How Rust apps are typically hosted
Modern Rust deployment leverages containerization to maximize performance and security:
- Multi-Stage Builds: Compile with
cargoin a build stage, then copy the binary to adistrolessoralpineimage. - App + Database Separation: The Rust binary is stateless. Data lives in a dedicated database service (PostgreSQL, MySQL) connected via TCP.
- Environment Variables: Configuration (DB credentials, API keys) is injected at runtime via
std::env, keeping your binary generic. - Static Linking: By linking against
musl, you can create truly static binaries that run anywhere without external dependencies.
Rust hosting on Hostim.dev
We provide a managed platform that maps directly to the standard Rust architecture.
Built-in Databases
Spin up managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Redis instances alongside your app with a single click or line in your compose file.
Persistent Volumes
Mount volumes for your uploads or local database files. Data persists across deployments and restarts.
EU Hosting
All data and workloads are hosted in Germany (Falkenstein), ensuring low latency for European users and GDPR compliance.
Is there free Rust hosting?
"Free" hosting usually comes with significant caveats. Providers offering free tiers often:
- Sleep or spin down your app after inactivity. While Rust starts fast, database connections often need time to re-establish.
- Limit CPU and RAM. Compiling Rust requires significant resources, often exceeding free tier limits (though running the binary is efficient).
- Lack persistent storage, meaning any files written to disk disappear on restart.
Free tiers are excellent for learning and prototypes but often break for real-world applications requiring reliability. Hostim.dev offers a preview tier for testing, but our focus is on reliable, paid production hosting with predictable pricing.
Rust web hosting vs. App hosting
You might see terms like "web hosting" and "app hosting" used interchangeably, but they refer to different paradigms.
Traditional Web Hosting (Shared): Designed for PHP/WordPress. Almost never supports running custom binaries or listening on arbitrary ports. Not an option for Rust.
App Hosting (PaaS): Designed for modern applications. Provides the necessary environment for containers, build processes, and service orchestration. This is what Hostim.dev provides.
Is Hostim.dev a good fit?
Who it is for
- Developers who want to deploy standard Rust projects using Docker.
- Teams needing EU-based hosting for GDPR compliance.
- Projects requiring a simple, flat pricing model without calculator spreadsheets.
- Applications that need persistent storage and managed databases.
Who it is not for
- Users looking for "serverless" functions (though Rust runs well there, we focus on long-running services).
- Static sites that don't need a backend.
- Developers who want to manually manage OS updates and security patches on a VPS.
How to host a Rust app
The practical workflow on a container-based platform.
- Create a project: A project groups your Rust app, databases, and storage in an isolated environment.
- Add managed services: Create a PostgreSQL or MySQL database if your app needs persistence. Many Rust services run without volumes unless file storage is required.
- Prepare your container: Build your Rust app into a single binary using a multi-stage
Dockerfile, then copy it into a minimal runtime image (likedebian:slimoralpine). - Create the app: Create an app from the Docker image or connect a Git repository with a
Dockerfile. Hostim builds the image if needed. - Configure environment variables: Set values like
PORT, database connection strings, and feature flags in the dashboard. - Deploy and update: Hostim starts the container and keeps it running. Updates are done by redeploying or rebuilding the app, either manually or via CI.
Ready to deploy?
Get your Rust application running in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the free tier include?
You can create free MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis databases, and persistent volumes. App containers start at €2.5/month. Each user gets one 5-day trial project with everything included – apps, DBs, volumes, metrics.
Can I deploy with just a Compose file?
Yes. Paste your Docker Compose YAML and we'll generate the services automatically. You can also deploy from a Dockerfile or Git repository (repo should have Dockerfile so our system can build the image).
Where is my app hosted?
On bare-metal servers located in Germany. We do not use AWS, GCP, or other large cloud providers – your data stays in the EU.
Do I need to know Kubernetes?
No. Hostim.dev removes Kubernetes complexity. You manage apps, databases, and resources – not clusters or YAML.
Is this for solo devs or teams?
Right now, each account manages projects individually. Multi-user roles and team collaboration are planned – we're actively listening to early users to shape this.