docker compose. check if container running

To check if a Docker container managed by Docker Compose is currently running, there are several commands and methods you can utilize. This guide covers the most effective approaches to ascertain the status of your containers.

Checking the Status of Docker Compose Containers

1. Using docker-compose ps

The most straightforward way to see the status of your containers is by using the docker-compose ps command. This command will provide a list of the containers defined in your docker-compose.yml file along with their current status.

Command:

docker-compose ps

• This will display all services defined in your Compose file, including their current states. Look for the State column to see if they are Up (running) or Exited.

2. Filter for Running Containers

If you want to specifically check which containers are currently running, you can modify the docker-compose ps command with filters.

Command:

docker-compose ps --services --filter "status=running"

• This command returns only the names of the services that are currently up and running, making it easier to identify active containers.

3. Using docker ps

For an alternative approach, you can also use the standard Docker command to check the status of all running containers, including those created by Docker Compose.

Command:

docker ps

• This command lists all currently running Docker containers. If you want to see stopped containers as well, you can use:

docker ps -a

• This will show the status of each container with their names, allowing you to identify Compose-created containers.

4. Inspecting a Specific Container

If you know the name of a specific container and want to check its detailed status, you can use the docker inspect command. This command provides comprehensive details about the container, including its state.

Command:

docker inspect <container_name_or_id>

• Within the output, look for the State field. If the container is running, the "Running" field will be set to true.

Conclusion

By utilizing these commands, you can efficiently monitor the status of your Docker Compose containers. The docker-compose ps command is particularly useful for a quick status check, while docker ps provides a broader look at all running containers. For detailed insights, docker inspect gives you the lowdown on individual containers.

For further reading and detailed command options, you can refer to the official Docker documentation or Server Fault discussions.