In the previous post we’ve learnt some of the most useful Docker Images commands. Now, it’s time to start working with running images, or, in other words Containers.

Docker Container is essentially a running application of some sort, for example C#, Python or just a simple Bash. All you need to do to run container is to have an image or pull your desired image from Container Registry and then run it in your Docker environment.


Create Container

Let’s start with creating our first container using the docker create command.

More details: docker create cli

Create Container

docker create --name [CONTAINER NAME] [IMAGE NAME]:[TAG]

Create Container with Flags

docker create [FLAG] [IMAGE NAME]:[TAG]

Flags

–rm Automatically remove container once stopped
-it Allocates command line to container’s STDIN
-d Run container in detached mode, ie. background
-v Mount a volume
Example with new volume: -v /local-folder:/container-folder
Example with existing volume: -v [VOLUME NAME]:/container-folder
-p Binds port from container to local env
Example: -p local-port:container-port

List Containers

To check what containers you have running (either stopped or started state) in your system, use the ps command.

More details: docker ps cli

List Running Containers Only

docker ps

List Running & Stopped Containers

docker ps -a

Start Container

To start stopped instance of a container use the start command.

More details: docker start cli

Start Container

docker start [CONTAINER NAME]

Start Container and Attach STDIN

docker start -a [CONTAINER NAME]

Restart Container

To restart running instance of a container use the restart command.

More details: docker restart cli

docker restart [CONTAINER NAME]

Exec Container

To enter running instance of a container use the exec command.

More details: docker exec cli

Execute Command on Container

docker exec -d [CONTAINER NAME] bash [COMMAND]

Execute into Container

docker exec -it [CONTAINER NAME] bash [COMMAND]

Stop Container

To stop running instance of a container use the stop command.

More details: docker stop cli

docker stop [CONTAINER NAME]

Remove Container

Sometimes you might want to remove unused containers to save disk space or to de-clutter your Docker environment. Docker rm command serves that purpose.

More details: docker rm cli

Remove Container

docker rm [CONTAINER NAME]

Force Remove Container

docker rm -f [CONTAINER NAME]

Remove Container plus Remove its Volume

docker rm -v [CONTAINER NAME]

<< Docker Images | Docker Containers | Docker Volumes >>

Marcin Narloch

Marcin Narloch

Creative and out-of-the-box thinker with strong interests and knowledge in technology and innovation.
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