In some cases, we may need to use a VPS (virtual private server) to download the Docker image and then import it to the local server. This approach is especially suitable for situations where local network conditions are poor or if direct access to Docker Hub is not available. This article will explain in detail how to implement this process.
Step Overview
- Download Docker Image on VPS
- Save the image as a tar file
- Transfer tar files from VPS to local server
- Loading the image on the local server
Detailed steps
1. Download Docker Image on VPS
First, log in to your VPS and make sure Docker is installed. Then, use the following command to download the required image:
docker pull nginx:latest
Here we take nginx:latest as an example. You can replace it with any mirror you need.
2. Save the image as a tar file
After the download is complete, we need to save the image as a tar file. Docker providessaveCommands to implement this function. There are two equivalent ways:
Method 1: Use-oOptions
docker save -o nginx:latest
Method 2: Use output redirection
docker save > nginx:latest
Both methods will create a namedfile containing all layers and metadata of nginx:latest image.
3. Transfer the tar file from VPS to the local server
Now we need to transfer the tar file from VPS to the local server. There are many ways to achieve this, here we usescpOrder:
scp user@local_server:/path/to/destination/
Pleaseuser@local_serverReplace with your local server's username and IP address./path/to/destination/Replace with the local path you want to save the file.
4. Load the image on the local server
Finally, on the local server, we need to load the tar file as a Docker image. Similarly, Docker providesloadThere are two equivalent ways to command:
Method 1: Use-iOptions
docker load -i
Method 2: Use input to redirect
docker load <
Both methods import the mirrors in the tar file and all its layers and metadata into the local Docker.
Once done, you can usedocker imagesCommand to verify that the image is imported successfully:
docker images | grep nginx
You should be able to see the nginx:latest image you just imported.
Notes and best practices
Mirror size: When handling large images, make sure that both the VPS and the local server have sufficient disk space.
Network bandwidth: The transmission of large images may take a long time, please make sure you have a stable network connection.
Compressed transmission: If the network bandwidth is limited, consider compressing the tar file before transmission:
gzip scp user@local_server:/path/to/destination/
Unzip it on the local server and then load it.
Version control: Always include the image's tag or version information in the file name to facilitate the management of multiple versions of the image.
Security: During the transmission process, make sure to use encrypted transmission methods (such as scp or sftp) to protect your data.
Clean up: After the transfer is complete, remember to clean up temporary files on the VPS to save space.
in conclusion
By using VPS to download Docker images and transfer them to your local server, we can overcome network limitations and manage and deploy Docker images more flexibly. This approach is especially suitable for developers and system administrators working in environments with limited network conditions. By mastering these Docker commands and file transfer techniques, you can manage your Docker workflow more effectively.
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