Docker is an amazing tool that makes it easy to build, ship, and run applications in containers. Whether you’re just getting started or need a quick refresher, this guide covers all the essential Docker commands. Let’s dive in!
1. Managing Containers
Think of containers as lightweight virtual machines running your applications.
- See running containers
docker ps or docker container ps
- See all containers (including stopped ones)
docker ps -a or docker container ps -a
- Start a container
docker start <container_id> or docker container start <container_id>
- Stop a container
docker stop <container_id> or docker container stop <container_id>
- Restart a container
docker restart <container_id> or docker container restart <container_id>
- Remove a container
docker rm <container_id> or docker container rm <container_id>
- Force remove a container
docker rm -f <container_id> or docker container rm -f <container_id>
- Run a new container
docker run --name <container_name> <image_name> or docker container run --name <container_name> <image_name>
- Run a container in the background
docker run -d <image_name> or docker container run -d <image_name>
- Run a container with interactive shell
docker run -it <image_name> /bin/bash or docker container run -it <image_name> /bin/bash
- Run a container and delete it after exit
docker run --rm <image_name> or docker container run --rm <image_name>
- Executes a command inside a running container.
docker exec -it <container_id> <command> or docker container exec -it <container_id> <command>
2. Working with Images
Docker images are like blueprints for your containers.
Here’s how to manage Images:
- List all images
docker images
- Remove an image
docker rmi <image_id>
- Force remove an image
docker rmi -f <image_id>
- Download an image from Docker Hub
docker pull <image_name>
- Build an image from a Dockerfile
docker build -t <image_name> .
- Tag an image
docker tag <image_id> <new_image_name>
- Upload an image to Docker Hub
docker push <image_name>
3. Managing Networks
Need your containers to talk to each other? Docker networks make it easy:
- See available networks
docker network ls
- Create a new network
docker network create <network_name>
- Remove a network
docker network rm <network_name>
- Inspect a network’s details
docker network inspect <network_name>
- Connect a container to a network
docker network connect <network_name> <container_id>
- Disconnect a container from a network
docker network disconnect <network_name> <container_id>
4. Handling Volumes (Persistent Storage)
If you need to store data even after a container stops, Docker volumes are the way to go:
- List all volumes
docker volume ls
- Create a volume
docker volume create <volume_name>
- Remove a volume
docker volume rm <volume_name>
- Inspect a volume
docker volume inspect <volume_name>
5. Checking Logs & Monitoring
Want to debug or see what’s happening inside a container? These commands help:
- View container logs
docker logs <container_id>
- View last 10 lines of logs
docker logs --tail 10 <container_id>
- Follow logs in real-time
docker logs -f <container_id>
- Check container resource usage
docker stats
- See processes running inside a container
docker top <container_id>
6. Running Commands Inside Containers
Need to interact with a running container? Try these:
- Open a shell inside a running container
docker exec -it <container_id> /bin/bash
- Attach to a running container’s console
docker attach <container_id>
7. Docker Compose (Managing Multi-Container Apps)
For projects with multiple containers, Docker Compose is your best friend:
- Start services in the background
docker-compose up -d
- Stop all services
docker-compose down
- Restart services
docker-compose restart
- View logs for all services
docker-compose logs
8. Cleaning Up Docker Resources
Docker can accumulate a lot of unused stuff over time. Here’s how to keep things clean:
- Remove unused images
docker image prune
- Remove all stopped containers
docker container prune
- Remove all unused networks
docker network prune
- Remove all unused volumes
docker volume prune
- Clean up everything (images, containers, networks, and volumes)
docker system prune -a
9. Docker Management Commands
Docker management commands are used to manage and interact with the Docker system. Here are some key Docker management commands:
- Shows the version of Docker installed
docker version
- Displays system-wide information about Docker
docker info
- Displays help information for Docker commands
docker --help
10. Docker Swarm Commands
Docker Swarm is used for container orchestration in production environments. Here are some key Docker swarm commands:
- Initializes a swarm
docker swarm init
- Join a swarm as a node and/or manager
docker swarm join <options> HOST:PORT
- Display and rotate the root CA
docker swarm ca
- Manage join tokens
docker swarm join-token <worker|manager>
- Leave the swarm
docker swarm leave
- Unlock swarm
docker swarm unlock
- Manage the unlock key
docker swarm unlock-key
- Update the swarm
docker swarm update <options>
Conclusion
Docker is a game-changer for developers, making it super easy to package, deploy, and manage applications. Whether you’re running a simple web app or a complex microservices architecture, mastering these commands will make your life a whole lot easier.
Thanks for reading!
