---
url: https://docs.hostly.ninja/getting-started/next-steps.md
---
# Next steps

Once your first service is running, configure only what the service actually needs.

## External private registries

If your image is stored in an external private registry, add registry credentials during the image
step. Hostly stores them as a Docker pull secret for the workspace. Images in the
[Hostly Registry](../concepts/hostly-registry.md) do not need these credentials.

## Secrets

Use secrets for passwords, tokens, connection strings, and other sensitive values. Reference secrets from environment variables instead of pasting sensitive values directly into the environment editor.

## Files

Use files when the application expects a configuration file at a specific path. Upload the file and enter the container path where Hostly should mount it.

## Volumes

Use volumes for data that must survive restarts or redeployments. Volumes are not available on the free tier.

## Members and permissions

Use workspace settings to invite other users and manage their permissions. Give each member only the access they need for their role.