Note
You can check other posts on my personal website: https://hbolajraf.net
Docker is a powerful tool for containerization, allowing you to package and run applications with their dependencies in isolated containers. Here are some tips and tricks for using Docker effectively.
Installation and Setup
1. Install Docker
To get started, install Docker by following the official installation instructions for your operating system on the Docker website.
2. Use Docker Compose
Docker Compose is a tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. It simplifies the process of managing complex applications with multiple containers.
Basic Docker Commands
3. Pull an Image
Use docker pull to download Docker images from a registry. For example, docker pull ubuntu will pull the Ubuntu image.
4. List Images
To list all downloaded images, use docker images or docker image ls.
5. Run a Container
Start a new container with docker run. For example, docker run -it ubuntu bash runs an interactive Ubuntu container.
6. Attach to a Running Container
To attach to a running container, use docker exec -it <container_name> bash.
7. Stop and Remove Containers
Use docker stop <container_id> to stop a running container. To remove a stopped container, use docker rm <container_id>.
8. View Container Logs
View container logs with docker logs <container_id>.
9. Naming Containers
When running containers, provide a –name flag to give them human-readable names.
Advanced Docker Commands
10. Build a Docker Image
Create a Docker image from a Dockerfile using docker build. For example, docker build -t my-image:1.0 . builds an image from the current directory.
11. Docker Registry Login
Log in to a Docker registry using docker login. This is necessary for pushing images to a private registry.
12. Push Images to a Registry
Push your Docker images to a registry with docker push. For example, docker push my-image:1.0 pushes an image to the registry.
13. Docker Network
Create custom Docker networks to connect containers. Use docker network create to create a network and –network to specify it when running containers.
14. Volume Mounting
Share data between your host and container by using volume mounts with the -v or –volume flag. For example, docker run -v /host/path:/container/path.
15. Docker Compose for Multi-Container Apps
Use a docker-compose.yml file to define and run multi-container applications. Run them with docker-compose up.
Docker Security
16. Limit Container Capabilities
Reduce a container’s capabilities by using the –cap-drop and –cap-add flags in the docker run command.
17. Scan Images for Vulnerabilities
Utilize tools like Clair or Trivy to scan your Docker images for known vulnerabilities before deploying them.
18. Regularly Update Images
Keep your base images up to date, as they may contain security patches. Use the latest base images from the official repositories.
Docker Cleanup
19. Remove Dangling Images
Remove unused images with docker image prune.
20. Clean Up Containers
Remove all stopped containers with docker container prune.
What Next?
Remember to consult the Docker documentation and community resources for additional tips and best practices when working with Docker containers.
