remove docker containers

Simple docker step by step how to remove docker containers with explanation

Docker containers are a resource-intensive component of a system and sometimes require removal to free up space or avoid conflicts. This article will take you through a step-by-step tutorial on how to effectively remove Docker containers.

Identifying Unneeded Docker Containers

Before we proceed with the deletion, you need to first identify the Docker containers set for removal. Run the following command to list all the containers.

docker ps -a

This command provides a list of all active and inactive Docker containers. From this list, note the ‘CONTAINER ID’ of the containers you want to remove.

Stopping Docker Containers

Before you can remove a Docker container, you must ensure it is not currently running. To stop an active Docker container, use the following command with the ‘CONTAINER ID’ you noted earlier:

docker stop <CONTAINER ID>

Replacing ’’ with the actual ID of the Docker container. This command stops the container from running.

Removing Docker Containers

Now that the Docker container is no longer running, you can proceed with the removal. Type the following command:

docker rm <CONTAINER ID>

Replace ’’ with the actual ID of the Docker you want to remove. This command will remove the Docker container from your system.

Removing All Docker Containers

Sometimes, you may want to remove all Docker containers simultaneously. This might be necessary when you want to free up system resources or start afresh. Use this command for that purpose:

docker rm $(docker ps -a -q)

This command stops and removes all Docker containers from your system. Be careful when using this command as it will remove all your containers, whether they were running or not.

Remember, removing Docker containers can free up your system resources, but you will lose all data in these containers. So it is always good to keep backup of important data before you proceed with the removal.

With this simple guide, you should be able to manage your Docker containers effectively by knowing how to remove them when they are no longer needed.