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Minecraft Java Server

A fully containerized deployment of a Minecraft Java Edition Server, built using Docker and Docker Compose.

This setup transforms the traditional standalone Minecraft server into an isolated, reproducible, and easily deployable containerized service.

The Minecraft Server Project demonstrates how to package a game server inside a Docker image, control its behavior through environment variables, and operate it securely on a remote VM with persistent storage.

All configuration, data handling, and startup logic are structured according to DevSecOps best practices.

This setup includes:

  • A custom-built Minecraft Java server image based on Java 21
  • Persistent world storage using a Docker volume, ensuring game progress is retained across restarts
  • Environment-driven configuration, such as EULA acceptance and JVM memory allocation
  • Manual download and upload of the official server.jar, which is excluded from Git due to licensing restrictions
  • Port forwarding (8888 -> 25565), making the server accessible externally while running internally on the default Minecraft port
  • An automated startup script (start.sh) that prepares required files and ensures consistent, reliable server startup

Table of Contents​

Tech Stack​

  • Java 21: Eclipse Temurin base image
  • Application: Minecraft Java Edition Server
  • Containerization: Docker and Docker Compose
  • Persistence: Docker volumes
  • Automation: start.sh startup script
  • Deployment Target: Remote Linux VM / server

Project Structure​

minecraft-server/
├─ docs/
│  └─ Minecraft_Server_Checkliste
├─ docker-compose.yaml
├─ Dockerfile
├─ example.env
├─ start.sh
├─ server.jar                # Added manually, never committed to Git
├─ .gitignore
└─ README.md

Quickstart​

Prerequisites​

Check Docker:

docker --version

Check Docker Compose:

docker compose version

Check Git:

git --version

Deployment (Server)​

1. Download the official Minecraft Server JAR​

You must download the official Minecraft Java Edition Server JAR manually.

Download from the official Minecraft website and save the file as:

server.jar

2. Connect to your server​

ssh <username>@<server-ip>

3. Clone your repository​

git clone https://github.com/ognjenmanojlovic/minecraft-server.git
cd minecraft-server

4. Copy environment template​

cp example.env .env

Edit .env if needed, for example:

  • EULA acceptance
  • RAM allocation

5. Upload the Minecraft server JAR to your VM​

From your local machine:

scp /path/to/server.jar <username>@<server-ip>:~/minecraft-server/server.jar

6. Build the Docker image​

docker compose build

7. Start the Minecraft server​

docker compose up -d

8. View server logs​

docker compose logs -f mc-server

9. Connect via Minecraft Java Edition​

Open Multiplayer and enter:

<server-ip>:8888

Configuration​

All configuration is done via .env.

Environment Variables​

EULA=TRUE
MC_MEMORY=1024M

These values can be adjusted depending on your server resources and testing needs.

Usage​

Start server​

docker compose up -d

Stop server​

docker compose down

View logs​

docker compose logs -f mc-server

Rebuild image​

docker compose build

Testing Checklist​

  • Docker image builds successfully
  • Server starts without errors
  • World data persists across restarts
  • Server reachable at <server-ip>:8888
  • mcstatus returns a valid server status
  • .env excluded from Git
  • server.jar not committed to the repository

Security Notes​

  • Do not commit server.jar
  • .env must stay private
  • Avoid exposing unnecessary ports
  • Use SSH keys for deployment
  • Keep the Minecraft server updated
  • Restrict server access to authorized users only

Skills Demonstrated​

Skill AreaDemonstrated Through
ContainerizationDockerized Java game server
DeploymentRemote VM hosting
Configuration Management.env-based setup
PersistenceDocker volume for world data
Automationstart.sh startup handling
Security AwarenessSecret / binary exclusion from Git
DevSecOps FoundationsReproducible service deployment

Conclusion​

The Minecraft Java Server project demonstrates how to package and deploy a stateful game server using Docker and Docker Compose.

It combines Java-based application hosting, persistent storage, environment-driven configuration, and secure server deployment practices in one practical project.

This makes it a strong portfolio example for DevOps, DevSecOps, and infrastructure-focused roles.

Author​

Ognjen Manojlovic