Docker Commands

Essential Docker Commands for Beginners: A Complete Guide

1. Installation and Setup

Before using Docker, you need to install and configure it properly. Below are the essential commands to get started.

1.1 Install Docker

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
  • Flags:
    • -f: Fail silently on errors
    • -s: Silent mode
    • -S: Show errors
    • -L: Follow redirects
  • Description: Installs Docker using an official installation script.

1.2 Check Docker Version

docker --version
  • Description: Displays the installed Docker version.

1.3 Start Docker Service

systemctl start docker
  • Description: Starts the Docker daemon.

1.4 Enable Docker to Start on Boot

systemctl enable docker
  • Description: Ensures Docker starts automatically on system reboot.

2. Container Management

Containers are the core of Docker. Below are commands to create, manage, and remove containers.

2.1 Run a Container

docker run [OPTIONS] IMAGE [COMMAND] [ARG...]
  • Flags:
    • -d: Run in detached mode
    • -p: Map ports (host:container)
    • --name: Assign a name to the container
    • -e: Set environment variables
    • -v: Mount a volume
    • --rm: Remove the container after it exits
  • Description: Runs a container from an image.

2.2 List Running Containers

docker ps
  • Flags:
    • -a: Show all containers, including stopped ones
    • -q: Display only container IDs
  • Description: Shows currently running containers.

2.3 Stop a Container

docker stop CONTAINER_ID/NAME
  • Description: Stops a running container.

2.4 Remove a Container

docker rm CONTAINER_ID/NAME
  • Flags:
    • -f: Force removal
  • Description: Deletes a container.

3. Image Management

Docker images are the templates for creating containers. These commands help manage images efficiently.

3.1 Pull an Image

docker pull IMAGE_NAME[:TAG]
  • Description: Downloads a Docker image from a registry.

3.2 List Local Images

docker images
  • Flags:
    • -q: Show only image IDs
    • --filter: Filter output
  • Description: Displays locally stored images.

3.3 Remove an Image

docker rmi IMAGE_ID/NAME
  • Flags:
    • -f: Force removal
  • Description: Deletes a Docker image.

4. Network Management

Docker networks allow containers to communicate with each other securely.

4.1 List Networks

docker network ls
  • Description: Shows available Docker networks.

4.2 Create a Network

docker network create NETWORK_NAME
  • Flags:
    • --driver: Specify the network driver
  • Description: Creates a new Docker network.

4.3 Connect a Container to a Network

docker network connect NETWORK_NAME CONTAINER_NAME
  • Description: Attaches a container to a network.

5. Volume Management

Docker volumes help persist data beyond container lifecycles.

5.1 List Volumes

docker volume ls
  • Description: Shows existing Docker volumes.

5.2 Create a Volume

docker volume create VOLUME_NAME
  • Description: Creates a new persistent volume.

5.3 Remove a Volume

docker volume rm VOLUME_NAME
  • Description: Deletes a Docker volume.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these basic Docker commands will provide you with a strong foundation for containerization. Whether you are managing containers, images, networks, or volumes, these commands will streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.

If you are new to Docker, start practicing these commands in a local environment. In upcoming blogs, we will explore Docker Compose, Docker Swarm, and Kubernetes to take your container management skills to the next level.

Happy Dockering! 🚢🐳

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