Docker Overview
Docker is a set of platform as a service (PaaS) products that use OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers. Containers are isolated from one another and bundle their own software, libraries and configuration files.
Key Features
- Containerization: Package applications with all dependencies into standardized units.
- Portability: Containers run consistently across environments.
- Isolation: Applications are isolated from each other and the host system.
- Efficiency: Lightweight compared to virtual machines.
- Scalability: Easily scale up or tear down containers.
- Docker Hub: Large repository of container images.
- Orchestration: Works with Kubernetes and Docker Swarm.
Installation & Setup
Installation Steps:
- Download Docker Desktop from official website
- Install and launch Docker Desktop
- Enable Kubernetes if needed (Docker Desktop)
- Verify installation with:
docker --version - Test with:
docker run hello-world
Basic Commands:
docker build
Build an image from a Dockerfile.
docker run
Run a command in a new container.
docker ps
List containers.
docker compose
Run multi-container applications.
Productivity Tips
Dockerfile Best Practices
- Use .dockerignore files
- Multi-stage builds to reduce image size
- Order commands from least to most frequently changing
- Use specific version tags
Volume Mounting
Use volumes for persistent data and bind mounts for development with live code reloading.
Docker Compose
Define multi-service applications in a YAML file for easier management.
Cleanup Commands
Regularly run docker system prune to remove unused containers, networks, and images.