Dockerfile => Docker Images => Docker Container

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build a Docker image from a Dockerfile and then run it as a container:

Step 1: Write the Dockerfile

Ensure your Dockerfile is ready. Below is an example:

Use a base image

FROM node:14

Set the working directory inside the container

WORKDIR /app

Copy package.json and package-lock.json to the container

COPY package*.json ./

Install dependencies

RUN npm install

Copy the rest of the application code

COPY . .

Expose the port the app runs on

EXPOSE 3000

Command to run the app

CMD ["node", "index.js"]

Step 2: Build the Docker Image

Run the following command in the directory where your Dockerfile is located:

docker build -t your-image-name .

-t your-image-name: Tags the image with the name your-image-name.

.: Specifies the current directory as the build context.

Step 3: List Docker Images

To verify if your image has been created, use:

docker images

Step 4: Run a Docker Container

Once your image is built, you can run a container based on that image:

docker run -d -p 3000:3000 --name your-container-name your-image-name

-d: Runs the container in detached mode (in the background).

-p 3000:3000: Maps port 3000 on your local machine to port 3000 on the container.

--name your-container-name: Names the container for easier reference.

your-image-name: The name of the image you built earlier.

Step 5: Verify Running Containers

To see if your container is running:

docker ps

Step 6: Stop the Container

To stop the running container:

docker stop your-container-name

Step 7: Remove the Container (Optional)

If you want to remove the container:

docker rm your-container-name

Step 8: Remove the Docker Image (Optional)

To delete the image:

docker rmi your-image-name

These commands outline the general flow of creating Docker images from a Dockerfile, running containers, and managing them.