ssh into docker container

This article will guide you through the simple process of using SSH to access a Docker container.

Introduction

Working with Docker containers can sometimes require you to SSH into the container. This method allows you to control the container from within. This article will guide you through the easy steps to SSH into a Docker container.

Step 1: Run the Docker Container

Before connecting via SSH, first make sure that the Docker container is up and running. You can start a Docker container with the docker run command. Here’s an example:

docker run -d -P --name test_ssh ssh_server

Step 2: Install SSH in the Docker Container

To connect to the Docker container via SSH, the container must first have SSH installed. If your Docker image doesn’t pre-install SSH, you might need to install it manually. Here’s how you can do it:

Start by accessing the Docker console with the following command:

docker exec -it container_id /bin/bash

Then, install the OpenSSH server with the command:

apt-get update 
apt-get install openssh-server

Step 3: Configure SSH in the Docker Container

The next step is to configure OpenSSH inside the Docker Container:

First, generate SSH keys with the following command:

/usr/bin/ssh-keygen -A

Then, start the SSH service with the command:

service ssh start

Step 4: SSH into the Docker Container

Now, you can SSH into your Docker container. To do this, first identify the Docker container’s IP address with the following command:

docker inspect -f "{{ .NetworkSettings.IPAddress }}" <container_id>

Then, you can SSH into the container with the below command:

ssh root@<ip_address_of_container>

As you can see, SSHing into a Docker container is a straightforward process. With just a few commands, you’ll be able to run and control Docker containers more effectively. Happy Dockering!