Managing Docker Containers – Essential Commands
Learn essential Docker commands to run, manage, and troubleshoot containers efficiently.
1. Introduction
Docker containers are the heart of Docker—they run your applications in an isolated, lightweight environment.
Think of a container like a running app on your phone 📱. You can start it, stop it, and remove it when you no longer need it.
In this guide, you'll learn how to run, manage, and inspect Docker containers using essential commands.
2. What Are Docker Containers?
A Docker container is a lightweight, standalone unit that runs an application along with all its dependencies.
Example:
Running an Nginx web server inside a container:
docker run -d -p 8080:80 nginx
Now, open localhost:8080 in your browser to see the Nginx welcome page! 🎉
3. Running Containers Using docker run
The docker run command creates and starts a container.
Example: Running a Basic Ubuntu Container
docker run -it ubuntu
This starts an interactive Ubuntu container where you can run Linux commands.
Common docker run Options:
| Option | Description |
-d | Run in detached mode (in the background) |
-p 8080:80 | Expose container port 80 to host port 8080 |
-it | Interactive mode (useful for debugging) |
4. Listing Running & Stopped Containers (docker ps)
To see active containers:
docker ps
To see all containers (including stopped ones):
docker ps -a
Example Output:
CONTAINER ID IMAGE STATUS PORTS
123abc456def nginx Up 2 minutes 0.0.0.0:8080->80/tcp
5. Stopping & Removing Containers
Stopping a Container
docker stop <container_id>
Example:
docker stop 123abc456def
Removing a Container
docker rm <container_id>
💡 Tip: Remove all stopped containers in one command:
docker rm $(docker ps -aq)
6. Running a Container in Detached Mode (-d)
Detached mode allows a container to run in the background.
Example:
docker run -d nginx
Check running containers with:
docker ps
7. Exposing Ports & Inspecting Logs
Exposing Ports
To make a container accessible, use the -p flag:
docker run -d -p 8080:80 nginx
Now, visit localhost:8080 in your browser.
Viewing Container Logs
docker logs <container_id>
Example:
docker logs 123abc456def
This helps debug issues and check container activity.
8. Conclusion
You now know how to run, stop, remove, and inspect Docker containers. 🎉
Try running different containers and experiment with ports and logs! 🚀