Essential Docker Commands

Display Docker Version Information Link to heading

docker version

This command provides information about the Docker Engine version.

List All Docker Images Link to heading

docker images

This command lists all the Docker images available on your system.

Pull an Image from the Registry Link to heading

docker pull <image_name>

You can use this command to download a Docker image from a container registry, like Docker Hub.

Create and Run a New Ubuntu Container with Interactive Shell Link to heading

docker run -it <image> /bin/bash

This command starts a new Docker container based on the specified image and opens an interactive shell (in this case, /bin/bash) inside the container.

Run a Container in Detached Mode Link to heading

docker run -d <image>

The -d flag runs a Docker container in detached mode, meaning it runs in the background.

Run a Container with Port Mapping Link to heading

docker run -p 8080:8080 <image>

This command maps port 8080 on the host to port 8080 inside the Docker container.

Run a Container with an Assigned Name Link to heading

docker run --name <container_name> <image>

You can specify a custom name for your Docker container using the --name flag.

Exit a Container Without Terminating It Link to heading

To exit a container without stopping it, press Ctrl-P followed by Ctrl-Q while in the container’s terminal.

List All Running Containers Link to heading

docker ps

This command lists all the currently running Docker containers.

List All Running and Stopped Containers Link to heading

docker ps -a

By adding the -a flag, you can see all Docker containers, both running and stopped.

Attach a Terminal to a Running Container Link to heading

docker exec -it <container_name> /bin/bash

This command attaches your terminal to a running Docker container, allowing you to interact with it.

Stop a Running Container Link to heading

docker stop <container_name_or_id>

Use this command to stop a running Docker container by specifying either its name or ID.

Remove a Container Link to heading

docker rm <container_name_or_id>

This command removes a specified Docker container. You can use either the name or the container ID.

Remove All Stopped Containers Link to heading

docker container prune

This command removes all stopped Docker containers from your system.

Build an Image and Tag It Link to heading

docker build -t <image:version> .

This command builds a Docker image from a Dockerfile in the current directory and assigns it a custom tag.

These examples should help you understand how to use these essential Docker commands. Remember to replace <image_name>, <image>, <container_name>, and <container_name_or_id> with the actual names or IDs of your images and containers when using these commands.