Docker Basics - System Commands

Step 1: Download Node.js Code

First, download the Node.js application code by clicking the button below:

Download Node.js Code

Step 2: Install Docker Extensions in VS Code

Download the Docker extension in VS Code from Microsoft. This will install two extensions:

Docker - For building, managing, and deploying containerized applications
Container Tools - For working with containers in VS Code

After installing the extensions, open the Node.js program in VS Code.

Step 3: Add Docker Files to Your Project

Follow these steps to add Docker files to your Node.js project:

1

Open Command Palette

Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) to open the command palette.

2

Search for Docker Add

Type "Docker add" and select the option "Docker: Add Docker Files to Workspace..."

3

Select Application Platform

Choose Node.js since your application is written in Node.js.

4

Select Package.json Location

Select the root package.json file.

5

Enter Port Number

Enter 3000 as the port your application runs on.

6

Skip Docker Compose

When asked if you want to add a Docker Compose file, select "No".

The extension will generate two Docker files: .dockerignore and Dockerfile.

Step 4: Build a Docker Image

Now you can build an image using the command palette:

1

Search for Docker Build

In the command palette, search for "docker build" and select the option "Docker Images: Build Image..."

# This will run build commands automatically and create an image
# You can check the image using: docker images

Step 5: Run Your Docker Image

1

Run the Image via Command Palette

In the command palette, type "docker run" and select "Docker Images: Run".

2

Select Image

Select your Docker image named "myexpressapp".

Alternative Method

If the command palette method doesn't work, you can run the image using the Docker extension:

Click on the Docker extension icon in VS Code
Go to the "Images" section
Find your image named "myexpressapp"
Right-click on the image
Select "Run" from the context menu

# After running the image, check in your browser at: http://localhost:3000

Managing Docker Containers

When you click on the Docker extension icon, you'll see two main sections:

Containers

Shows running containers
Shows stopped containers
Images are listed below the containers

Images

Shows every image in your local PC
You can manage images from here

Container Management

Stopping Containers

To stop a running container:

Go to the Containers section
Right-click on your container
Select "Stop" or "Remove"

Starting Containers

To start a container:

Go to the Images section
Right-click on the container name
Select "Start" or "Remove"

Docker Command Quick Reference

Command	Description
docker images	List all Docker images on your system
docker ps	List running containers
docker ps -a	List all containers (running and stopped)
docker stop <container_id>	Stop a running container
docker rm <container_id>	Remove a container
docker rmi <image_id>	Remove an image