For small VPS deployments you often do not need Docker, and DollarDeploy defaults to native systemd.
Why it matters: running apps as native systemd services removes container overhead and makes builds and deploys up to 5x faster. systemd handles process supervision, restarts, and boot startup directly on the host.
Yes, but: Docker Compose is still supported and worth it when you want container isolation, multi-service local parity, or images that ship more easily as containers. The trade-off is native = lighter and faster, Docker = more isolation and portable images at the cost of overhead.
The bottom line: DollarDeploy lets you pick per app.
Go deeper: running Node.js apps as systemd processes.