The Ultimate List of Docker Commands Categorized by Usage

Mastering Docker commands is essential for efficient containerized application development, system administration, and DevOps practices. Docker, a leading containerization platform, provides a wide range of commands to manage images, containers, networks, and volumes. This guide categorizes these commands by their usage, ensuring you can quickly find what you need. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned user, this list will be an invaluable resource.

1. Installation and Setup

Installing Docker

• Linux:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt install docker.io -y

• Mac: Download and install Docker Desktop from Docker's official website
• Windows: Install Docker Desktop from Docker's official website

Starting and Enabling Docker

• Start Docker:

  sudo systemctl start docker

• Enable Docker on Boot:

  sudo systemctl enable docker

• Check Docker Status:

  sudo systemctl status docker

• Verify Installation:

  docker --version

  docker run hello-world

2. Working with Docker Images

Searching for Images

• Search for an Image on Docker Hub:

  docker search <image_name>

Downloading Images

• Pull an Image:

  docker pull <image_name>

• Pull a Specific Version:

  docker pull <image_name>:<tag>

Listing and Removing Images

• List Downloaded Images:

  docker images

• Remove an Image:

  docker rmi <image_id>

• Remove All Images:

  docker rmi $(docker images -q)

3. Managing Containers

Creating and Running Containers

• Run a Container:

  docker run <image_name>

• Run a Container in Detached Mode:

  docker run -d <image_name>

• Run a Container with an Interactive Shell:

  docker run -it <image_name> /bin/bash

Listing Containers

• List Running Containers:

  docker ps

• List All Containers (Including Stopped Ones):

  docker ps -a

Stopping, Restarting, and Removing Containers

• Stop a Running Container:

  docker stop <container_id>

• Restart a Container:

  docker restart <container_id>

• Remove a Stopped Container:

  docker rm <container_id>

• Remove All Containers:

  docker rm $(docker ps -aq)

4. Managing Container Logs and Stats

• View Logs of a Running Container:

  docker logs <container_id>

• Follow Logs in Real-Time:

  docker logs -f <container_id>

• Monitor Resource Usage of Containers:

  docker stats

5. Networking in Docker

Listing and Inspecting Networks

• List Available Networks:

  docker network ls

• Inspect a Network:

  docker network inspect <network_name>

Creating and Removing Networks

• Create a Network:

  docker network create <network_name>

• Remove a Network:

  docker network rm <network_name>

Connecting and Disconnecting Containers to a Network

• Connect a Container to a Network:

  docker network connect <network_name> <container_id>

• Disconnect a Container from a Network:

  docker network disconnect <network_name> <container_id>

6. Working with Docker Volumes

Creating and Managing Volumes

• Create a Volume:

  docker volume create <volume_name>

• List Available Volumes:

  docker volume ls

• Inspect a Volume:

  docker volume inspect <volume_name>

Using Volumes in Containers

• Mount a Volume When Running a Container:

  docker run -v <volume_name>:/data <image_name>

• Remove a Volume:

  docker volume rm <volume_name>

• Remove All Unused Volumes:

  docker volume prune

7. Docker Compose

Installing Docker Compose

• Linux:

  sudo apt install docker-compose

• Mac & Windows: Docker Compose is included in Docker Desktop.

Basic Docker Compose Commands

• Start Services in Detached Mode:

  docker-compose up -d

• Stop Services:

  docker-compose down

• View Logs:

  docker-compose logs

8. Cleanup and Maintenance

• Remove Unused Images:

  docker image prune

• Remove Unused Containers:

  docker container prune

• Remove Unused Networks:

  docker network prune

• Remove Unused Volumes:

  docker volume prune

• Remove Everything:

  docker system prune -a

This comprehensive guide ensures you have quick access to the most essential Docker commands. Stay tuned for updates and feel free to suggest additional commands to enhance this reference!