DeployHQ vs Capistrano
Stop writing deployment scripts. DeployHQ gives you a visual interface with built-in rollbacks, multi-environment support, and zero-downtime deployments — no Ruby or scripting knowledge needed.
Feature Comparison
A side-by-side look at what each platform offers.
| Feature | DeployHQ | Capistrano |
|---|---|---|
| Visual interface (GUI) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero scripting required | ✓ | ✗ |
| Managed service | ✓ | CLI tool |
| Automatic deployments on push | ✓ | Manual trigger |
| One-click rollback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turbo deployments | ✓ | Manual optimization |
| Multi-environment support | ✓ | ✓ |
| FTP/SFTP deployment | ✓ | SSH only |
| Deploy behind firewalls | ✓ | SSH tunneling |
| Team collaboration | ✓ | Shared scripts |
| Free/open source | ✗ | ✓ |
| Full scripting control | Build commands | ✓ |
Where DeployHQ Wins
Key advantages that set DeployHQ apart.
Visual Interface
Configure deployments through a GUI instead of writing Ruby scripts. Anyone on your team can deploy — no scripting knowledge required.
Automatic Deployments
Deploy automatically on every push to your repository. No need to run commands manually from your terminal.
Team Collaboration
Built-in team features with deployment logs, audit trails, and permission controls. Everyone can see what was deployed and when.
Deployment Targets
Deploy via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, and more. Capistrano only supports SSH-based deployments.
Detailed Comparison
Scripting vs GUI
Capistrano requires writing Ruby deployment scripts (Capfiles) and managing them in your repository. This gives you full control but adds complexity and requires Ruby knowledge. DeployHQ provides a point-and-click interface — configure your servers, environments, and deployment settings through a web dashboard.
Deployment Triggers
Capistrano deployments are triggered manually from the command line. DeployHQ supports automatic deployments on push (via webhooks), scheduled deployments, and manual triggers from the web interface.
When Capistrano Makes Sense
Capistrano is a strong choice for teams that need fully custom deployment scripts, have Ruby expertise, and want complete control over every step. It's free, open-source, and extremely flexible for those who want to script their own deployment logic.
Who Should Use What?
Best for teams that want to deploy without scripting
- You want a visual interface for deployments
- You prefer automatic deployments on push
- Your team doesn't know Ruby
- You need FTP/SFTP in addition to SSH
Best for teams that want full scripting control
- You need highly custom deployment scripts
- You have Ruby expertise on your team
- You want a free, open-source solution
- You need programmatic deployment control
Ready to Stop Writing Deploy Scripts?
Deploy with a visual interface. No Ruby, no Capfiles, no terminal commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is DeployHQ different from Capistrano?
DeployHQ is a managed deployment service with a visual interface — no scripting required. Capistrano is a Ruby-based command-line tool that requires writing deployment scripts (Capfiles) and running them from your local machine or CI server.
Is DeployHQ easier than Capistrano?
Yes, for most teams. DeployHQ requires zero scripting — connect your repository, configure your server through a GUI, and deploy. Capistrano requires Ruby knowledge, writing Capfiles, SSH key management, and running commands from the terminal.
Can DeployHQ replace Capistrano?
For most deployment workflows, yes. DeployHQ handles SSH-based deployments, build commands, rollbacks, multi-environment support, and zero-downtime deployments — all through a GUI. Capistrano may still be preferred for highly custom deployment scripts or teams that want full programmatic control.
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