Step-by-Step Process to Get Docker Logs
Let’s see the all process with the help of an example:
Step 1: Pull the nginx Image
With the help of this following we will pull the nginx Image.
Step 2: Run the nginx Image
With the help of this following we will run the nginx Image.
Step 3: Retrieve Logs from the Hello-World Container
With the help of this command we can able to get the logs assosicated with the container name:
Basic Logs:
Tail Logs:
Follow Logs:
Timestamp Logs:
How to Get Docker Logs
Docker logs may be used to observe and troubleshoot applications running inside of Docker containers. With access to these logs, developers may troubleshoot issues, understand application behavior, and ensure everything is functioning as it should. This article will provide a detailed explanation of how to appropriately read Docker logs.
Primary Terminologies
- Docker: A platform for applications that makes managing, scaling, and deploying programs inside containers easier.
- Container: A small, portable, self-contained environment that includes the application and all of its dependencies.
- Logs: Recorded output from programs, typically used for debugging and monitoring.
- Container ID: A unique number linked to every Docker container.
- Container Name: An easily recognizable name in human language that is linked to a Docker container.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Docker Logs
Step 1: Identify the Container
This command will list every container that is currently operating on the Docker system:
docker ps
With the help of this command, we can able to see a list of running containers with their IDs, names, and other details.
Step 2: Retrieve Logs from a Specific Container
After identifying the container, we will use the docker logs command to extract the logs. For that, we will utilize the container ID or name.
docker logs [OPTIONS] CONTAINER
- CONTAINER: The container ID or name.
- [OPTIONS]: Various options to filter or format the logs.
To get logs from a container, run:
docker logs <container-id-or-name>
Replace <container-id-or-name> with the actual ID or name of your container.
Step 3: Use Options to Filter or Format Logs
Docker provides several options based on the demands of the user or programmers to let them get certain logs.
Tail Logs
With the help of this command we can able to see last few lines of logs:
docker logs --tail <number-of-lines> <container-id-or-name>
Replace <number-of-lines> with the number of log lines you want to see.
Follow Logs
To continuously stream logs (similar to tail -f in Linux):
docker logs -f <container-id-or-name>
This command will keep the log output open and display new log entries in real-time.
Timestamp Logs
Using this command will add a timestamp to every log item:
docker logs -t <container-id-or-name>
Retrieve Logs Since a Specific Time:
With the help of this command we can get logs since a specific time:
docker logs --since <timestamp> <container-id-or-name>
Replace <timestamp> with a time value (e.g., 2024-06-06T00:00:00).