Helper for using the Docker CLI to build, run, stop, inspect, and manage containers and images. Use when the user wants to perform container-related tasks from the command line, such as building images, running services, cleaning up resources, or checking logs.
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---
name: docker-cli
description: Helper for using the Docker CLI to build, run, stop, inspect, and manage containers and images. Use when the user wants to perform container-related tasks from the command line, such as building images, running services, cleaning up resources, or checking logs.
---
# Docker CLI Helper
This skill explains how to use the **Docker command line** for common container workflows.
## When to Use
Use this skill when:
- The user wants to build or rebuild a Docker image.
- The user wants to run a container (one-off or long-running).
- The user wants to see which containers/images/volumes exist.
- The user wants to stop or remove containers/images.
- The user wants to see logs, exec into a container, or check resource usage.
## Requirements
- Docker is installed and running.
- `docker version` or `docker info` works in the user’s shell.
If unsure, suggest the user run:
```bash
docker version
```
to confirm Docker is available.
## Safety Guidelines
- Prefer **read-only** or non-destructive commands first:
- `docker ps`, `docker ps -a`
- `docker images`
- `docker logs`
- `docker inspect`
- Be cautious with destructive commands:
- `docker rm`, `docker rmi`
- `docker system prune`
- `docker volume rm`
- Only recommend destructive cleanups when the user explicitly wants to free resources and understands what will be removed.
## Common Workflows
### 1. List and inspect containers
List running containers:
```bash
docker ps
```
List all containers (including stopped):
```bash
docker ps -a
```
Inspect a container in detail:
```bash
docker inspect <container-id-or-name>
```
### 2. List and inspect images
List local images:
```bash
docker images
```
Inspect an image:
```bash
docker inspect <image-id-or-name>
```
### 3. Build images
Build an image from a `Dockerfile` in the current directory:
```bash
docker build -t <image-name>:<tag> .
```
Example:
```bash
docker build -t my-app:latest .
```
If the `Dockerfile` is in another directory:
```bash
docker build -t my-app:latest path/to/context
```
### 4. Run containers
Run a container in the foreground:
```bash
docker run --rm -it <image-name>:<tag>
```
Run in detached mode (background service):
```bash
docker run -d --name <container-name> <image-name>:<tag>
```
Map ports from container to host:
```bash
docker run -d --name <container-name> -p 8080:80 <image-name>:<tag>
```
Mount a host directory into the container:
```bash
docker run -d --name <container-name> -v /host/path:/container/path <image-name>:<tag>
```
### 5. Stop and remove containers
Stop a running container:
```bash
docker stop <container-id-or-name>
```
Remove a stopped container:
```bash
docker rm <container-id-or-name>
```
Stop and remove in one shot (two commands):
```bash
docker stop <container-id-or-name>
docker rm <container-id-or-name>
```
### 6. Remove images
Remove an image by ID or name:
```bash
docker rmi <image-id-or-name>
```
Only suggest this when the user is sure the image is no longer needed.
### 7. Logs and exec
See logs for a container:
```bash
docker logs <container-id-or-name>
```
Stream logs (follow):
```bash
docker logs -f <container-id-or-name>
```
Execute a shell inside a running container (if it has `/bin/bash`):
```bash
docker exec -it <container-id-or-name> /bin/bash
```
or with `/bin/sh`:
```bash
docker exec -it <container-id-or-name> /bin/sh
```
### 8. Clean up resources
Only suggest these when the user explicitly wants cleanup:
- Remove all stopped containers:
```bash
docker container prune
```
- Remove unused images:
```bash
docker image prune
```
- Remove everything unused (containers, networks, images, and optionally volumes):
```bash
docker system prune
```
For a more aggressive cleanup, but only if the user confirms:
```bash
docker system prune -a
```
## Troubleshooting Tips
- If images cannot be pulled, check:
- Network connectivity.
- Registry authentication (if using a private registry).
- If ports are already in use, suggest:
- Changing the host port in `-p host:container`.
- Or stopping the process that currently uses the port.
- If a container keeps exiting immediately:
- Suggest checking `docker logs <container>` for errors.
- Inspect entrypoint and command configuration.
