Docker is a platform that allows developers to design, deploy, and manage programs within lightweight, portable containers. Containers bring together a program and its dependencies to maintain consistency across environments. Container management is critical in DevOps, and one typical duty is obtaining the Docker container’s ID by name. This course will take you through each level, teaching you key ideas and activities along the way.

Primary Terminologies

• Docker: It is an open-source technology that makes it easier to automate the deployment of apps within portable, light containers. It offers a dependable setting for testing, production, and development.
• Container: A software program or service that may operate independently is called a Docker container.
• Container ID: The unique number or identity of each individual container used to store a particular kind of material.
• Container Name: A name for a container that is readable by humans. Users can give meaningful names to containers for better administration, even though Docker will assign a random name if none is provided.

Prerequisites Get Docker Container ID from Container Name

To retrieve the Docker Container ID from a container name, follow these steps:

Prerequisites

• Docker installed on your machine
• Basic knowledge of Docker commands
• At least one running container

Steps To Get Docker Container ID from Container Name

1. List All Running Containers

To list all the running containers in docker we will run the following command:

command : docker ps

2. Retrieve Container ID Using Container Name

This command shows every container in the list, even the ones that have quit, by filtering it based on their names. After that, the output is prepared so that the containers with the name “hello_container” and their Container IDs are the only ones displayed.

command: docker ps –filter “name=my_container” –format “{{.ID}}”

3. Verify the Container ID

We can verify the Container ID by inspecting the Container:

command: docker inspect <container_id>

Getting Docker Container ID from Container Name – Example 1

let’s see the all process with the help of an example:

1. Pull the ‘hello-world’ Image

Firstly we have to pull the ‘hello-world’ image for our example.

2. Run the ‘hello-world’ Image

Now we have to run the ‘hello-world’ Image.

3. List All Containers

Now we will see the running Containers and ID associated with the container.

4. Retrieve Container ID Using Container Name

Now we will retrieve Container ID with the help of Container Name:

5. Verify the Container ID

Now we will verify the retrieved Container ID by inspecting the container and this command will give us the full Container ID associated with Container ‘hello-world’ :

Conclusion

Obtaining a Docker Container ID by name is a simple but crucial procedure for managing Docker environments. By logging into Docker Hub, downloading the hello-world image, launching the container, and running specific Docker commands, we can easily obtain the Container ID. This process ensures effective container management and fixes common issues like authentication challenges, which contribute to the seamless and productive operation of Docker-based projects.

Getting Docker Container ID from Container Name – FAQs

What is the ‘hello-world’ Docker image?

A basic container image called ‘hello-world’ is used to confirm that Docker is installed and operating as intended. After printing “Hello from Docker!”, it leaves.

What causes the hello-world container to disappear right away?

The ‘hello-world’ container is meant to execute a short script that outputs a message before shutting down. This action is typical and shows that the image ran well.

How we can view every container, even the ones that have been exited?

With the help of docker ps -a command docker list all containers, including those that have exited.

When a container exits, can we resume it?

Yes, we can restart an exited container using the docker start command followed by the Container ID or name: docker start hello_container.

How can the hello-world container be removed?

We can remove the ‘hello-world’ container using the docker rm command followed by the Container ID or name: docker rm hello_container.