Here’s a complete tutorial on docker create, including its purpose, how it differs from docker run, and a comprehensive list of examples.
What is docker create?
docker create is used to create a new container from a specified image without starting it immediately. This command is useful when you want to configure or inspect a container before running it.
Key Features:
- Only creates the container; does not run it.
- Useful for preparing containers with custom configurations.
- Returns the container ID after creation.
- Works with the same options as
docker run.
Basic Syntax
docker create [OPTIONS] IMAGE [COMMAND] [ARG...]
Code language: CSS (css)Common Options:
--name: Assign a custom name to the container.-p: Map ports from the container to the host.-v: Mount a volume or bind a host directory.-e: Set environment variables.--restart: Define the container’s restart policy.-it: Allocate a pseudo-TTY and keep STDIN open (interactive mode).
Examples of docker create
1. Create a Simple Container
docker create ubuntu
This creates a container from the ubuntu image without running it.
2. Create a Container with a Custom Name
docker create --name my_ubuntu_container ubuntu
This creates a container named my_ubuntu_container.
3. Create a Container with Port Mapping
docker create -p 8080:80 nginx
Code language: CSS (css)This creates a container with port 8080 on the host mapped to port 80 in the container.
4. Create a Container with Environment Variables
docker create -e APP_ENV=production -e DEBUG=false my_app
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)This creates a container with two environment variables: APP_ENV=production and DEBUG=false.
5. Create a Container with a Volume
docker create -v /host/data:/container/data my_app
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)This mounts the host directory /host/data to /container/data in the container.
6. Create a Container with Restart Policy
docker create --restart always redis
This creates a redis container with a restart policy set to always, meaning it will restart automatically if it stops.
7. Create a Detached Interactive Container
docker create -it ubuntu
The container is created in interactive mode but remains stopped until started.
8. Create a Container with a Specific Command
docker create ubuntu echo "Hello, Docker!"
Code language: PHP (php)The container is configured to run echo "Hello, Docker!" when started.
9. Create a Container with Network Settings
docker create --network my_custom_network nginx
This creates a container attached to the my_custom_network network.
10. Create a Container with a Hostname
docker create --hostname my_custom_host alpine
This creates an alpine container with a custom hostname my_custom_host.
Starting a Container Created with docker create
Once a container is created with docker create, you can start it with:
docker start CONTAINER_ID
For example:
docker start my_ubuntu_container
Inspecting a Created Container
You can inspect the configuration of a created container using:
docker inspect CONTAINER_ID
Difference Between docker create and docker run
docker create | docker run |
|---|---|
| Only creates the container | Creates and starts the container |
| Returns the container ID | Returns the container’s output |
| Used for pre-configuration | Used for running containers |
Requires docker start to run it | No need to start it manually |
List of Common docker create Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
docker create ubuntu | Create a simple Ubuntu container |
docker create --name my_app nginx | Create an NGINX container with a custom name |
docker create -p 8080:80 nginx | Create a container with port mapping |
docker create -e KEY=value alpine | Create a container with environment variables |
docker create -v /host:/container busybox | Create a container with a volume |
docker create --restart always redis | Create a container with a restart policy |
docker create --network custom_net alpine | Create a container on a custom network |
docker create ubuntu echo "Hello, world!" | Create a container with a specific command |
Best Practices for Using docker create:
- Pre-configure containers with volumes, environment variables, and restart policies before starting them.
- Use
docker inspectto review container settings before running it. - Use custom names (
--name) for easier container management. - Combine with
docker startanddocker execfor full control.
Common Errors and Solutions
- “Error: No such image”
→ Ensure the image exists or pull it usingdocker pull. - “Duplicate container name”
→ Use a different name or remove the existing container with the same name:docker rm existing_container_name - Container does not start after creation
→ Usedocker startto run it:docker start CONTAINER_ID
I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.
I publish technical articles at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market insights at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at TrueReviewNow, and SEO and digital marketing strategies at Wizbrand.
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