Windsurf
integration
Dockerfile Missing System Dependencies in Windsurf Project
Your Windsurf-generated Dockerfile builds fail or the container crashes at runtime because system-level dependencies are missing. Node.js native modules like sharp, canvas, bcrypt, or puppeteer require system packages (libvips, libc, chromium) that aren't installed in the Docker image.
Cascade generates a Dockerfile that works for pure JavaScript apps but doesn't account for native dependencies. The build may fail during npm install when compiling native modules, or worse, it may build successfully but crash at runtime when the native module is first loaded.
This is especially common when deploying to production for the first time after developing locally, where system dependencies were already present on the development machine.
Error Messages You Might See
Error: Cannot find module 'sharp'
Error: libvips.so.42: cannot open shared object file
Error: Failed to launch the browser process (Puppeteer)
gyp ERR! build error - native module compilation failed
Error: /lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libm.so.6: version 'GLIBC_2.29' not found
Common Causes
- Sharp requires libvips — The sharp image processing library needs libvips and its dependencies installed at the OS level
- Puppeteer needs Chromium — Puppeteer requires a Chromium installation with many system libraries (libx11, libgbm, libnss3, etc.)
- Canvas requires build tools — The node-canvas package needs build-essential, libcairo2-dev, libpango1.0-dev, and libjpeg-dev
- bcrypt requires compilation tools — Native bcrypt (not bcryptjs) needs python3 and build-essential to compile during npm install
- Alpine image too minimal — Cascade used node:alpine which is missing many libraries. Some packages need the full node:slim or node:bookworm image
- Multi-stage build drops dependencies — A multi-stage Dockerfile installs deps in the build stage but doesn't copy the system libraries to the runtime stage
How to Fix It
- Identify which native modules you use — Check package.json for sharp, canvas, bcrypt, puppeteer, better-sqlite3, or other packages that compile native code
- Add apt-get install for each dependency — Add a RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y [packages] layer before npm install. Each native module documents its required system packages
- Use node:slim instead of node:alpine — Alpine uses musl libc which causes issues with many native modules. node:slim (Debian-based) has better compatibility
- Copy system libraries in multi-stage builds — If using multi-stage, COPY --from=builder /usr/lib/ and other library paths needed by native modules
- Use pre-built binaries where possible — Sharp and bcrypt offer pre-built binaries for common platforms. Ensure your Dockerfile platform matches and npm can download them
- Test the Docker build locally — Run docker build and docker run locally before deploying. Test the specific features that use native modules
Real developers can help you.
Alvin Voo
I’ve watched the tech landscape evolve over the last decade—from the structured days of Java Server Pages to the current "wild west" of Agentic-driven development. While AI can "vibe" a frontend into existence, I specialize in the architecture that keeps it from collapsing.
My expertise lies in the critical backend infrastructure: the parts that must be fast, secure, and scalable. I thrive on high-pressure environments, such as when I had only three weeks to architect and launch an Ethereum redemption system with minimal prior crypto knowledge, turning it into a major revenue stream.
What I bring to your project:
Forensic Debugging: I don't just "patch" bugs; I use tools like Datadog and Explain Analyzers to map out bottlenecks and resolve root causes—like significantly reducing memory usage by optimizing complex DB joins.
Full-Stack Context: Deep experience in Node.js and React, ensuring backends play perfectly with mobile and web teams.
Sanity in the Age of AI: I bridge the gap between "best practices" and modern speed, ensuring your project isn't just built fast, but built to last.
prajwalfullstack
Hi Im a full stack developer, a vibe coded MVP to Market ready product, I'm here to help
Basel Issmail
’m a Senior Full-Stack Developer and Tech Lead with experience designing and building scalable web platforms. I work across the full development lifecycle, from translating business requirements into technical architecture to delivering reliable production systems.
My work focuses on modern web technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, and cloud-based architectures. I enjoy solving complex technical problems and helping teams turn product ideas and prototypes into working platforms that can grow and scale.
In addition to development, I often collaborate closely with product managers, business analysts, designers, and QA teams to ensure that solutions align with both technical and business goals.
I enjoy working with startups and product teams where I can contribute both as a hands-on engineer and as a technical partner in designing and delivering impactful software.
zipking
I am a technologist and product builder dedicated to creating high-impact solutions at the intersection of AI and specialized markets. Currently, I am focused on PropScan (EstateGuard), an AI-driven SaaS platform tailored for the Japanese real estate industry, and exploring the potential of Archify.
As an INFJ-T, I approach development with a "systems-thinking" mindset—balancing technical precision with a deep understanding of user needs. I particularly enjoy the challenge of architecting Vertical AI SaaS and optimizing Small Language Models (SLMs) to solve specific, real-world business problems. Whether I'm in a CTO-level leadership role or hands-on with the code, I thrive on building tools that turn complex data into actionable value.
Daniel Vázquez
Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience on Startups, Government, big tech industry & consulting.
MFox
Full-stack professional senior engineer (15+years). Extensive experience in software development, qa, and IP networking.
Pratik
SWE with 15+ years of experience building and maintaining web apps and extensive BE infrastructure
Franck Plazanet
I am a Strategic Engineering Leader with over 8 years of experience building high-availability enterprise systems and scaling high-performing technical teams. My focus is on bridging the gap between complex technology and business growth.
Core Expertise:
🚀 Leadership: Managing and coaching teams of 15+ engineers, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
🏗️ Architecture: Enterprise Core Systems, Multi-system Integration (ERP/API/ETL), and Core Database Structure.
☁️ Cloud & Scale: AWS Expert; architected systems handling 10B+ monthly requests and managing 100k+ SKUs.
📈 Business Impact: Aligning tech strategy with P&L goals to drive $70k+ in monthly recurring revenue.
I thrive on "out-of-the-box" thinking to solve complex technical bottlenecks and am always looking for ways to use automation to improve business productivity.
Sage Fulcher
Hey I'm Sage! Im a Boston area software engineer who grew up in South Florida. Ive worked at a ton of cool places like a telehealth kidney care startup that took part in a billion dollar merger (Cricket health/Interwell health), a boutique design agency where I got to work on a ton of exciting startups including a photography education app, a collegiate Esports league and more (Philosophie), a data analytics as a service startup in Cambridge (MA) as well as at Phillips and MIT Lincoln Lab where I designed and developed novel network security visualizations and analytics. I've been writing code and furiously devoted to using computers to make people’s lives easier for about 17 years. My degree is in making computers make pretty lights and sounds. Outside of work I love hip hop, the Celtics, professional wrestling, magic the gathering, photography, drumming, and guitars (both making and playing them)
Tejas Chokhawala
Full-stack engineer with 5 years experience building production web apps using React, Next.js and TypeScript.
Focused on performance, clean architecture and shipping fast.
Experienced with Supabase/Postgres backends, Stripe billing, and building AI-assisted developer tools.
You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use node:alpine or node:slim for my Dockerfile?
Use node:slim (Debian-based) unless you specifically need Alpine's small size and have verified all your dependencies work on Alpine. Alpine uses musl libc instead of glibc, which breaks many native Node.js modules like sharp, canvas, and bcrypt.
Why does my app work locally but crash in Docker?
Your local machine has system libraries pre-installed (from Homebrew, apt, etc.) that your Docker image doesn't have. Docker starts with a minimal OS, so every system dependency must be explicitly installed in the Dockerfile.