Docker containers are a lightweight, portable way to package applications and their dependencies together to ensure applications run consistently in different environments. Running instances created based on images enable developers to quickly start programs through "templates". Run the docker run command commonly used in containers. The specific steps include: 1. Install Docker; 2. Get or build a mirror; 3. Use the command to start the container. Containers share host kernels, are lighter and faster to boot than virtual machines. Beginners recommend starting with the official image, using docker ps to view the running status, using docker logs to view the logs, and cleaning resources regularly to optimize performance.
Docker containers are a lightweight, portable software package that packages applications and their dependencies together to ensure applications run consistently in any environment. You can think of it as a "box" that has the program and everything it needs, and you just need to move the box anywhere you want to run it.
What is a Docker container?
Simply put, the Docker container is a running instance created based on the image. Mirroring is like a "template", and the container is the program that actually runs based on this template.
For example: You wrote a Python program that relies on some libraries. If you deploy directly to the server, you may encounter the problem of "can run on my computer". If you use Docker, you package the program and its dependencies into a mirror, and then run the mirror on another machine, and you will get an exact same running environment.
How to run a Docker container?
The most common way to run a Docker container is to use the docker run
command. The basic process is as follows:
- Make sure you have Docker installed
- Get or build an image (for example, download it from Docker Hub)
- Start containers with
docker run
Common command examples:
docker run hello-world
This pulls an image called hello-world
from the Docker Hub and runs it.
You can also add some parameters to control the operation mode, such as:
-
-d
: Running in the background -
-p 80:80
: Map the 80 port of the host to the 80 port of the container -
--name myapp
: Give the container a name
What is the difference between containers and virtual machines?
Many people will confuse containers with virtual machines for the first time. In fact, they have essential differences:
- The virtual machine simulates the entire operating system. Each virtual machine has its own core and consumes a lot of resources.
- The operating system kernel of the container shared host is lighter and faster to start
For example: a virtual machine is like turning on several computers in your computer, while a container is more like cooking in different pots in the same kitchen. Everyone shares kitchen facilities but does not interfere with each other.
Practical operation tips
If you want to try it yourself, here are a few suggestions:
- When you are starting, you can start with official images, such as nginx and redis.
- Use
docker ps
to view running containers - Use
docker logs [容器名]
to view log information - Don't forget to clean unused images and containers to avoid taking up disk space
In addition, when writing Dockerfile to build custom images, pay attention to keeping each layer as simple as possible, so that the construction speed is fast and convenient for maintenance.
Basically that's it. By mastering these basic concepts and operations, you can start using Docker to run your own applications.
The above is the detailed content of What are Docker containers, and how are they run?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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