run docker image locally

Running docker images locally is a straightforward process that can be achieved in a few steps.

Introduction

This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to locally run a docker image using simple words easy to understand.

Prerequisites

Ensure Docker is installed on your local machine. If it is not, download Docker from the official Docker website and install it.

Step 1: Pull a Docker Image

Firstly, you need to pull a docker image from DockerHub or any other Docker image registry. Use the docker pull command followed by the name of the Docker image.

For example:

docker pull ubuntu

This command pulls the Docker image named ‘ubuntu’ from DockerHub.

Step 2: Verify Docker Image Pull

To verify that your image was pulled successfully, use the docker images command. This will list all the docker images on your local machine.

Example:

docker images

You should see ‘ubuntu’ listed among the docker images.

Step 3: Running the Docker Image

To run the pulled image, use the docker run command followed by the image name.

For example:

docker run -it ubuntu 

This command will create and start a new container running the ‘ubuntu’ image.

Step 4: Interacting with the Docker Container

Once the Docker container is running, you can interact with it. If you used the -it option during the run command like in the example, you can have an interactive terminal session with your running container.

Step 5: Stop the Docker Container

Once you are done with your activities in the container, you can stop it using the docker stop command alongside the container ID.

For example:

docker stop <container_ID>

To get your container_ID, use the docker ps command which will list all your running containers.

Now, you have successfully run a Docker image locally. Practice more to get a better understanding of Docker images and containers. Remember, the more you practice, the better you get.