linuxdockeralpine-linux

How to retain docker alpine container after "exit" is used?

Like for example if I use command docker run -it alpine /bin/sh it starts a terminal after which I can install packages and all. Now when I use exit command it goes back to the terminal. (main one)

So how can I access the same container again? When I run that command again, I get a fresh alpine.

Solution

  • Pull an image

    docker image pull alpine

    See that image is there

    docker image ls   OR  just docker images

    see what is inside the alpine

    docker run alpine ls -al

    Now your question is how to stay with the shell

    docker container run -it alpine /bin/sh

    You are inside shell script command line. Some distribution may have bash shell.

     docker exec -it 5f4 sh
 / # (<-- you can run linux command here!)

    At this point, you can use command line of alpine and do 

    ls -al

    type exit to come out- You can run it in detached mode and it will keep running.

    With exec command we can login again

    docker container run -it -d alpine /bin/sh

    verify that it is UP and copy the FIRST 2 -3 digits of the container ID

    docker container ls

    login with exec command

    docker exec -it <CONTAINER ID or just 2-3 digits> sh

    You will need to STOP otherwise it will keep running.

    docker stop <CONTAINER ID>