Windows Server Containers provide a method to encapsulate your application into a self-contained runtime that shares the OS kernel, making it lightweight and fast. Docker is a tool designed to facilitate creating, deploying, and running applications by using containers. This detailed tutorial will guide you through creating, deploying, and managing containerized applications on Windows Server using Docker and Windows Server Containers.
Configure Windows Server with Docker
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A system running Windows Server 2016 or later. Download the latest version from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
- Docker installed on your Windows Server. You can download Docker from the official Docker website.
Installing Docker on Windows Server
To install Docker on Windows Server, you will need to use PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an Administrator and execute the following command:
Install-Module -Name DockerMsftProvider -Repository PSGallery -Force
Next, use the following command to install Docker:
Install-Package -Name docker -ProviderName DockerMsftProvider
Restart the computer to complete the Docker installation:
Restart-Computer -Force
Verify Docker Installation
Check the Docker version to verify that Docker was installed successfully using this command:
docker version
Understanding Docker Concepts
Images: Docker images are read-only templates that you build from a set of instructions written in Dockerfile. Docker images define both what you want your app to look like and what processes to run when launched.
Containers: A Docker container, as partially explained above, is a runtime instance of a Docker image.
Dockerfile: Dockerfile is a text file that contains all the commands needed to build a Docker image.
Creating a Docker Container
Create a new directory for your Docker project. Navigate into the new directory and create a new file called ‘Dockerfile’. The Dockerfile defines your Docker image.
Open the Dockerfile in a text editor and add the following:
# Use an official Windows Server Core image as a base image
FROM mcr.microsoft.com/windows/servercore:ltsc2019
# Set the working directory to /app
WORKDIR /app
# Copy the current directory contents into the container at /app
COPY . /app
Save and close the Dockerfile.
To build your Docker image, run the following command:
docker build -t your-image-name .
Running Docker Containers
After building your Docker image, you can now run a container from this image. Use the following command to start a container:
docker run -d -p 8080:80 --name your-container-name your-image-name
Managing Docker Containers
You can manage your Docker containers by using various Docker commands. For example, to stop a running container, use:
docker stop your-container-name
To restart a stopped container, use:
docker start your-container-name
Conclusion on Docker with Windows Server
In this tutorial, you’ve learned how to install Docker on Windows Server, create a Docker container, and manage your containers. With this knowledge, you can now create, deploy, and manage containerized applications on Windows Server.
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