# Docker

## Why Docker?

Docker provides a convenient and efficient way to package, distribute, and manage applications. Our focus on Docker containers aims to simplify your tech journey, offering easy-to-follow guides and practical tips for deployment and maintenance.

### Key Benefits

- **Consistency**: Run applications in the same environment across different machines
- **Isolation**: Keep applications and their dependencies separate
- **Portability**: Deploy anywhere that runs Docker
- **Resource Efficiency**: Use system resources more effectively than traditional VMs
- **Quick Deployment**: Spin up containers in seconds
- **Version Control**: Easy rollback and update procedures
- **Scalability**: Scale applications up or down easily

## Prerequisites

Before getting started with Docker, ensure you have:

1. A system running Linux, Windows, or macOS
2. Docker Engine installed
3. Docker Compose installed (comes with Docker Desktop)
4. Basic understanding of command line operations
5. Sufficient system resources for your containers

## Basic Docker Commands

```bash
# List running containers
docker ps

# List all containers (including stopped)
docker ps -a

# Pull an image
docker pull <image-name>

# Start a container
docker start <container-name>

# Stop a container
docker stop <container-name>

# Remove a container
docker rm <container-name>

# View container logs
docker logs <container-name>
```

## Docker Compose

Docker Compose is our preferred method for container deployment. It allows you to:

- Define multi-container applications
- Store configuration in version control
- Single command to start all services
- Manage complex container relationships

### Basic Docker Compose Commands

```bash
# Start services
docker compose up -d

# Stop services
docker compose down

# View logs
docker compose logs

# Update containers
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
```

## Available Containers

Check out the compose files that I have setup and tested below. While there are thousands of Docker containers available, these are the ones I've personally verified and found useful for homelab setups:

[[Docker Compose Files]]

Each container in our collection includes:

- Detailed setup instructions
- Docker Compose configuration
- Port requirements
- Volume mappings
- Environmental variables
- Common troubleshooting tips

## Best Practices

1. **Security**:
   - Never run containers as root
   - Keep images updated
   - Use official images when possible
   - Implement proper network isolation

2. **Performance**:
   - Monitor resource usage
   - Use volume mounts for persistent data
   - Implement proper logging
   - Regular cleanup of unused images/containers

3. **Maintenance**:
   - Regular backups of container data
   - Keep Docker Engine updated
   - Monitor container health
   - Use container restart policies

## Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

1. **Container Won't Start**:
   - Check logs: `docker logs <container-name>`
   - Verify port availability
   - Check volume permissions
   - Validate compose file syntax

2. **Performance Issues**:
   - Monitor resource usage
   - Check for memory leaks
   - Verify network connectivity
   - Review container logs

3. **Storage Problems**:
   - Clean up unused images
   - Remove old containers
   - Verify disk space
   - Check volume mounts

## Additional Resources

- [Official Docker Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/)
- [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/)
- [Docker Compose Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/compose/)
- [Docker Security Guidelines](https://docs.docker.com/engine/security/)

Explore these pages to find detailed information, Docker Compose files, and setup guides for each container.