Quick Reference

Docker common commands reference

Setting Up Docker

Install Docker

Refer to the official Docker documentation for OS-specific installation instructions.

Install docker on windows

Install docker on linux

Verify Docker installation:

docker --version

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Docker Images

Building an Image

To create a Docker image from a Dockerfile:

docker build -t your-image-name:tag .

• your-image-name: Name of the image.

• tag: Version tag (commonly latest for the most recent version).

Listing Images

To view all Docker images on your system:

docker images

Removing an Image

To remove a specific Docker image:

docker rmi your-image-name:tag

Removing All Images

To remove all Docker images:

docker rmi $(docker images -q)

Docker Containers

Running a Container

To run a Docker container from an image:

docker run -p host-port:container-port your-image-name:tag

Listing Running Containers

To view all running containers:

docker ps

Listing All Containers

To see all containers, including stopped ones:

docker ps -a

Stopping a Container

To stop a specific running container:

docker stop container-id-or-name

Removing a Container

To remove a stopped container:

docker rm container-id-or-name

Removing All Containers

To remove all containers:

docker rm $(docker ps -aq)

Debugging and Interactivity

Running a Container Interactively

To run a container in interactive mode (often used with a shell):

docker run -it your-image-name:tag /bin/sh

Bash Into a Running Container

To enter the shell of a running container:

docker exec -it container-id-or-name /bin/sh

Maintenance and Cleanup

Removing Stopped Containers, Unused Volumes, and Networks

To perform a cleanup:

docker system prune

Removing Unused Images

To remove dangling (unused) images:

docker system prune -a

Other Handy Commands

Viewing Logs of a Container

To view the logs of a running or stopped container:

docker logs container-id-or-name

Copying Files from/to a Container

To copy files between your host and a container:

# From container to host
docker cp container-id-or-name:/path/in/container /path/on/host

# From host to container
docker cp /path/on/host container-id-or-name:/path/in/container

Debugging and Interactivity with Docker Containers

Debugging containers often requires entering the container's environment, executing commands, or inspecting files. Here's how to navigate these tasks.

Entering a Container's Shell

Sometimes, to debug or inspect the container's internals, you may want to get a shell inside a running container. Here's how you can do that:

docker exec -it container-id-or-name /bin/sh

• If the container is using a different shell, you might need to replace /bin/sh with /bin/bash or another appropriate shell.

Running a Container with an Interactive Shell

If you are just starting a container and want it to give you a shell immediately, use:

docker run -it your-image-name:tag /bin/sh

Again, replace /bin/sh if a different shell is used in the container.

Viewing Container Logs

To view the logs produced by a running or a stopped container:

docker logs container-id-or-name

Inspecting Container Metadata

For a detailed report on a container (like IP addresses, volumes, environment variables, etc.):

docker inspect container-id-or-name

Checking Container Processes

To see which processes are running inside a container:

docker top container-id-or-name

Debugging a Container That Won't Start

If a container is failing to start, it's often useful to override its entrypoint to keep it running and then bash into it to inspect:

docker run -it --entrypoint /bin/sh your-image-name:tag

This will override the container's default entry point with a shell, allowing you to start the intended command manually or inspect why it might be failing.