Docker Provider

The Docker Provider enables Terraform to manage Docker resources, such as containers, images, networks, and volumes. This provider simplifies the automation and orchestration of containerized applications, making it a key tool for teams working with Docker-based environments.

Key Features:

  • Pull Docker images from public or private registries.
  • Create and manage containers, networks, and volumes.
  • Automate multi-container deployments.
  • Integrate with Docker Compose configurations.

Example Use Case: Running a Docker Container
Here’s how to pull an NGINX image and run it as a container using the Docker Provider:

provider "docker" {}

resource "docker_image" "nginx" {
  name = "nginx:latest"
}

resource "docker_container" "nginx" {
  name  = "example-nginx"
  image = docker_image.nginx.latest

  ports {
    internal = 80
    external = 8080
  }
}

What’s Happening Here?

  • The provider block initializes the Docker Provider for local Docker management.
  • The docker_image resource pulls the latest version of the NGINX image.
  • The docker_container resource creates and starts a container named example-nginx, exposing it on port 8080.

Advanced Tip:
Set up a Docker network to connect multiple containers:

resource "docker_network" "example" {
  name = "example-network"
}

resource "docker_container" "app" {
  name  = "example-app"
  image = "my-app-image"

  networks_advanced {
    name = docker_network.example.name
  }
}

resource "docker_container" "db" {
  name  = "example-db"
  image = "postgres:latest"

  networks_advanced {
    name = docker_network.example.name
  }
}

This configuration creates a custom Docker network and connects both the app and db containers to it, enabling inter-container communication.

Glossary