Docker Guide: Introduction, Benefits, and Basic Example

What is Docker?

Docker is an open-source platform that enables developers to package applications into containers — standardized, executable components that combine application source code with the operating system (OS) libraries and dependencies required to run that code in any environment.

 

Why Use Docker?

1. Consistency: Runs the same across all machines (development, test, production).
2. Isolation: Applications run in separate containers without interfering.
3. Portability: “Build once, run anywhere” approach.
4. Efficiency: Lightweight compared to virtual machines.
5. Scalability: Easy to scale up or down.
6. Rapid Deployment: Containers start almost instantly. 

Basic Example: Running a Simple Web Server

Step 1: Install Docker

First, install Docker Desktop for your OS from docker.com.

Step 2: Verify Installation

 

This shows the installed Docker version.

 

Step 3: Pull an Image

Let’s use the official Nginx image:

 

• docker pull: Command to download an image.
• nginx: Name of the image (from Docker Hub).

 

Step 4: Run a Container

• docker run: Creates and starts a container.
• -d: Runs in detached mode (background).
• -p 8080:80: Maps host port 8080 to container port 80.
• --name my-nginx: Names the container "my-nginx".
• nginx: The image to use.

Step 5: Verify the Container is Running  

Shows running containers. You should see “my-nginx” listed.

 

Step 6: Access the Web Server 

Open a browser and go to http://localhost:8080. You should see the Nginx welcome page.

 

Step 7: Stop the Container

 

Stops the running container.

Step 8: Remove the Container

 

Removes the stopped container. 

 

Key Docker Commands Explained

1. docker images: Lists all downloaded images.
2. docker ps -a: Shows all containers (running and stopped).
3. docker exec -it my-nginx bash: Opens an interactive terminal in a running container.
4. docker logs my-nginx: Shows logs from a container.
5. docker build -t my-app .: Builds an image from a Dockerfile in current directory.
6. docker rmi nginx: Removes an image. 

Next Steps

1. Learn about Dockerfiles to create custom images.
2. Explore Docker Compose for multi-container applications.
3. Study Docker volumes for persistent data storage.
4. Investigate Docker networking for container communication. 

If you found this helpful, feel free to share or drop a comment. Happy coding with Laravel! 🧱✨

 

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