Docker Basics

Essential Docker system commands for beginners

Getting Started with Docker

Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers. These basic commands help you interact with the Docker system and manage your Docker environment.

To use these commands, open a command prompt/terminal or use the built-in terminal in VS Code with the Ctrl+Shift+` shortcut.

Docker System Commands

docker info

docker info

Displays detailed information about your Docker installation and system.

What it shows:

  • Number of containers and images
  • Docker version and storage driver
  • System memory and CPU information
  • Network configuration

docker version

docker version

Shows the version information for the Docker client and server.

What it displays:

  • Client version
  • Server (Engine) version
  • API version
  • Go language version used

docker login

docker login

Authenticates you to Docker Hub, the default public registry for Docker images.

How it works:

  • Prompts for your Docker ID and password
  • Stores credentials securely on your system
  • Allows you to push and pull images from Docker Hub
  • Necessary for accessing private repositories