Droplet Resources

Validated on 11 June 2021 • Posted on 27 August 2018

DigitalOcean Droplets are Linux-based virtual machines (VMs) that run on top of virtualized hardware. Each Droplet you create is a new server you can use, either standalone or as part of a larger, cloud-based infrastructure.

Additional Tools for Droplets

The DigitalOcean API

The DigitalOcean API lets you manage DigitalOcean resources programmatically using conventional HTTP requests. All the functionality available in the DigitalOcean Control Panel is also available through the API.

See the API documentation on Droplets for more information.

The DigitalOcean Command Line Client, doctl

doctl is a command-line interface for the DigitalOcean API and supports many of the same actions.

See the doctl documentation on Droplets for more information.

More Information

On DigitalOcean Droplets

Choosing a Plan

In-depth comparisons of available Droplet plans, including hardware and software, an explanation of shared CPU and dedicated CPU plans, and how to make a data-driven decision on which plan is best for your use case.

Tips on Downsizing Droplets

Recommendations for downsizing Droplets, including making backups, manging DNS records and IP addresses, and migrating files.

Troubleshooting Connectivity

Reset Droplet Root Passwords

If you forget or lose the root password to a Droplet without SSH keys, you can reset its root password from the DigitalOcean Control Panel.

Recover from Lost SSH Keys

If you lose the private SSH key you use to log into a Droplet, you need to re-enable password authentication to recover access.

Troubleshoot SSH Issues

Determine whether troubleshooting SSH issues or migrating/redeplying is appropriate for your situation, then identify and resolve specific SSH errors.

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Regain Access using the Recovery Console

Use the Recovery Console to recover access to a Droplet. It provides out-of-band access regardless of your network settings. It emulates the access you would have if you were sitting down with a keyboard and monitor attached to the actual server.

Recovering from Incidents

Recover Data with the Recovery ISO

Use DigitalOcean’s recovery ISO to regain access to and perform data recovery operations on your Droplet, like getting access to an interactive shell, running fsck, or chrooting into the system.

Recover from an Outgoing DDoS

Next steps to take if you receive a message from DigitalOcean support because your Droplet is sending an outgoing flood or DDoS.

Reference

Live Migrations

An overview of what live migrations are and how they affect users.

Droplet Policies

Droplet access, SLAs, and user responsibility.