If you’re using Docker, you know how powerful and easy to use it can be. However, as you work with it, a large number of unused images, containers, and data volumes can pile up, cluttering your Docker environment and possibly slowing it down. In this article, we’ll show you how to remove images and containers that you no longer need, leaving you with a clean and organized Docker environment.
How to Delete Docker Images
To delete unnecessary Docker images, you must first distinguish them from the useful ones. You can list all the images on your system by using the image management command:
$ docker image -a
This command will show you all the images in your docker. To remove a single image, use the command:
$ docker rmi imageID
To remove multiple images at once, use:
$ docker rmi imageID1 imageID2 imageID3
An alternative command to delete hanging images and clean up disk space is:
$ docker image prune
You can also delete all Docker images with one command using:
$ docker rmi $(docker images -a -q)
Lastly, you can delete images that follow a certain pattern with:
$ docker images | grep "pattern" | awk '{print $3}' | xargs docker rmi
How to Remove Docker Containers
To remove Docker containers, you must first list them using the command:
$ docker ps -a
Once you have located the containers that you want to delete, use their ID to remove them using the command:
$ docker rm containerID
To remove multiple containers at once, use:
$ docker rm containerID1 containerID2 containerID3
If the container is currently running, you must first stop it using:
$ docker stop containerID
Followed by:
$ docker rm -f containerID
To stop and remove all unnecessary containers, use:
$ docker stop $(docker ps -a -q)
$ docker container prune
$ docker rm $(docker ps -qa)
FAQs
What are Docker images?
Docker images are self-contained executable packages that include everything necessary for an application to function properly. Each image contains runtime, code, settings, tools, and system libraries. They allow you to visualize operating systems and package an application with everything you need to run it, making it act independently of the operating system.
Why should I remove Docker images and containers?
Over time, a large number of unused images, volumes, and containers accumulate, cluttering your Docker environment. This can lead to a slower Docker experience and valuable disk space being used up. By removing unnecessary images and containers, you can have more control over your Docker experience and free up space for new projects.