[Docker] How to Start, Stop, and Remove Containers

To manage Docker containers, follow these steps:

Step 1 : Run a container:

docker container run -d --name nginx nginx

This command runs a Docker container named "nginx" in detached mode (-d), using the official nginx image from Docker Hub.

Step 2 : Stop the container:

docker container stop nginx

This stops the running container named "nginx".

Step 3 : Get container ID:

docker container ls -a

The -a flag lists all containers (including stopped ones), showing their details such as CONTAINER ID, IMAGE, COMMAND, CREATED, STATUS, PORTS, and NAMES.

Step 4 : Stop a container using its ID:

docker container stop <CONTAINER_ID>

Replace <CONTAINER_ID> with the actual ID of the container you want to stop. This command halts the specified container.

Step 5 : Start a stopped container:

docker container start <CONTAINER_ID>

Or start it by name:

docker container start nginx

This restarts a previously stopped container identified by <CONTAINER_ID> or the specified name "nginx".

Step 6 : Remove a container by name or ID:

docker container rm <CONTAINER_NAME_OR_ID>

Use this command to delete a container by providing its name or ID.

Step 7 : To forcefully remove a running container:

docker container rm --force <CONTAINER_NAME_OR_ID>

Add the --force or -f flag to delete a container that's currently running. This command overrides any dependencies or processes that prevent the container from being removed.

Congratulations! You have successfully managed Docker containers by running, stopping, starting, and removing them as needed.