Docker Commands Ultimate Guide: From Essential CLI to Advanced Usage

D: 🚀 Docker has revolutionized the way developers build, ship, and run applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, mastering Docker commands is crucial for efficient container management. This guide covers everything from basic CLI commands to advanced techniques with practical examples.

🔹 1. Essential Docker Commands

These are the must-know commands to get started with Docker.

1.1. Container Management

• docker run: Creates and starts a container from an image.

  docker run -d -p 8080:80 --name my_nginx nginx

  • -d: Detached mode (runs in background)
  • -p 8080:80: Maps host port 8080 to container port 80
  • --name: Assigns a custom name

• docker ps: Lists running containers.

  docker ps -a  # Shows all containers (including stopped ones)

• docker stop / docker start: Stops or starts a container.

  docker stop my_nginx  
  docker start my_nginx  

• docker rm: Removes a container.

  docker rm my_nginx  # Removes a stopped container
  docker rm -f my_nginx  # Force removes a running container

1.2. Image Management

• docker pull: Downloads an image from Docker Hub.

  docker pull ubuntu:latest  

• docker images: Lists downloaded images.

  docker images  

• docker rmi: Deletes an image.

  docker rmi nginx  

🔹 2. Intermediate Docker Commands

Once you’re comfortable with basics, try these powerful commands.

2.1. Logs & Debugging

• docker logs: Views container logs.

  docker logs my_nginx  
  docker logs -f my_nginx  # Follow logs in real-time  

• docker exec: Runs a command inside a running container.

  docker exec -it my_nginx bash  # Opens an interactive shell  

2.2. Networking

• docker network: Manages container networks.

  docker network ls  # Lists networks  
  docker network create my_network  # Creates a custom network  

• docker inspect: Displays detailed container info.

  docker inspect my_nginx  

🔹 3. Advanced Docker Commands

For power users, these commands unlock Docker’s full potential.

3.1. Docker Compose (Multi-Container Apps)

• docker-compose up: Starts services defined in docker-compose.yml.

  docker-compose up -d  # Runs in detached mode  

• docker-compose down: Stops and removes containers.

  docker-compose down --volumes  # Also removes volumes  

3.2. Volume Management

• docker volume: Manages persistent storage.

  docker volume create my_volume  
  docker volume ls  

3.3. Docker Build (Custom Images)

• docker build: Creates an image from a Dockerfile.

  docker build -t my_custom_image:1.0 .  

🔹 4. Pro Tips & Best Practices

✅ Clean unused resources

docker system prune -a  # Removes unused images, containers, networks  

✅ Use .dockerignore (Like .gitignore but for Docker builds)
✅ Optimize Dockerfile (Multi-stage builds, minimal base images)

🎯 Final Thoughts

Mastering these Docker commands will boost your productivity and help you manage containers like a pro! 🚀

💡 Want more? Check out the official Docker CLI docs for deeper insights.

Happy Dockering! 🐳