How to Create a Docker Container: A Step-by-Step Guide for WordPress Users

If you’re working on an application or a service that runs on multiple operating systems, Docker can simplify its deployment process. With Docker container creation, you can effortlessly launch multiple applications or services on systems like virtual private server hosting or dedicated machines. Docker is also lightweight, easier to deploy, and offers better performance than virtual machines.

What Is a Docker Container?

A Docker container is a self-contained software package with all the necessary dependencies to run a specific application on different operating systems. The Docker image dictates all the configuration instructions for starting or stopping containers. A new container is created whenever a user runs an image.

Why Use Docker Containers?

Docker containers are a game-changer for today’s developers. With container isolation, your apps can run on the same operating system while staying separate from other operating systems and containers. This feature ensures consistent performance in development and staging environments. For businesses, Docker containers enhance deployment speed and maximize system resource utilization. Docker container deployment requires significantly less memory than a virtual machine. Their portable nature makes migrating and scaling legacy applications possible. Docker containers optimize the development process, saving valuable time and contributing to the cost-effective success of your application development projects.

How to Create a Docker Container

In this tutorial, we will use a virtual private server (VPS) with an Ubuntu 22.04 operating system. First, ensure that Docker is installed on your server. If it isn’t, follow our guide to install Docker on Ubuntu. Once the installation is done, follow these Docker containerization steps to run your application within an isolated environment.

1. Build a Docker Image

A Docker image is a blueprint for your container. It holds all the code, libraries, and dependencies your application needs to run. You can create a new Docker image or use a base image from Docker Hub. First, log in to your VPS using an SSH client like PuTTY. Then, use the Linux command ‘sudo docker images’ to list all Docker images on your system. For more information on existing Docker images, use the command ‘sudo docker images –help’. Use the ‘-q’ option to list the numeric IDs of images available on your system. To list all non-dangling images, use the command ‘sudo docker images -f dangling=false’. To pull an image based on MySQL, execute the command ‘docker pull ‘. Another alternative for creating a Docker image is to use EasyPanel, a graphical user interface that simplifies the management of Docker images. EasyPanel automates many of the processes involved in setting up environments and dependencies.

2. Write a Dockerfile

A Dockerfile is a text file that tells Docker how to build your image. It lists all the Docker commands needed to assemble a container image. Using a Dockerfile ensures your images are built the same way every time, making your work more consistent and easier to manage. Here’s an example of a simple Dockerfile template:

FROM ubuntu:latest
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y curl
CMD ["curl", "https://www.example.com"]

3. Build the Docker Container

If you prepare a new Dockerfile, navigate to the same directory as the file and run the ‘docker build’ command to start a new image build process. Start a new container from the image you just built using the ‘docker run’ command. Otherwise, run a pre-built image imported from Docker Hub. Efficient image layering is crucial for optimizing build time and resource usage.

4. Run and Manage Containers

To create and manage containers, use Docker commands like ‘docker run’, ‘docker ps’, ‘docker top’, ‘docker stop’, and ‘docker stats’. These commands allow you to start containers, list running containers, view the top process of a container, map ports between the host and the container, attach volumes for persistent storage, limit resources, and more.

Docker Container Best Practices

Here are some best practices to ensure an efficient Docker containerization process:

Use Kodee, an AI assistant, to simplify VPS management tasks
Keep containers lightweight by optimizing base images, using multi-stage builds, removing unnecessary files, and being specific in commands
Use official images from Docker Hub for secure and reliable containers
Limit container permissions and secure sensitive information using environment variables
Leverage container orchestration tools like Docker Compose and Kubernetes for managing multi-container applications

By following these best practices, you can create efficient and secure Docker containers for your WordPress projects.

Conclusion

Docker is an invaluable tool for today’s developers and businesses. Knowing how to create Docker containers helps make your development cycle more efficient and secure. This tutorial provided a step-by-step guide for creating Docker containers, along with best practices for efficient container management. If you have any questions about creating Docker containers, leave a comment below.

How to Create a Docker Container FAQ

This section covers frequently asked questions about creating Docker containers.

What Is a Docker Image vs Container?

A Docker image is a blueprint for creating a container, holding the application’s code, libraries, and dependencies. A Docker container is a running version of an image.

Can a Docker Image Have Multiple Containers?

Yes, you can use a single Docker image to create several containers. Each container runs independently and has its own set of resources and settings.

Can Docker Images Be Edited?

Docker images are made of read-only layers, so you can’t edit them directly. To make changes, update the Dockerfile or source files and build a new image with the Docker build command.

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