The “docker-machine” command is a Docker CLI tool used to create, provision, and manage virtual machines (VMs) that run Docker. It simplifies the process of setting up a Docker environment on various infrastructure providers or local machines.
When using the “docker-machine” command, you can create and manage VMs on different platforms, such as cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or local virtualization solutions like VirtualBox or VMware.
Here are the main functionalities and use cases of the “docker-machine” command:
- VM Creation and Provisioning: The primary purpose of the “docker-machine” command is to create virtual machines with Docker installed and configured. It automates the process of setting up Docker on different platforms, ensuring that the VMs have the necessary resources, network connectivity, and Docker runtime environment.
- Cloud and Infrastructure Providers: With “docker-machine,” you can create Docker-enabled VMs on various cloud providers. By specifying the provider and required parameters, the command interacts with the provider’s API to provision the VM. This allows for easy deployment and management of Docker environments on popular cloud platforms.
- Local Development Environments: “docker-machine” also supports creating Docker-enabled VMs locally using virtualization software like VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V. This is useful for local development, testing, or running Docker on machines that don’t natively support Docker, such as Windows or macOS.
- Remote Docker Environments: Once a VM is created using “docker-machine,” you can configure the Docker client to interact with the Docker engine running on the remote VM. This allows you to manage Docker containers and services remotely, even if the Docker client is running on a different machine or operating system.
Swarm and Kubernetes Integration: “docker-machine” integrates with Docker Swarm, the built-in orchestration solution in Docker, and also allows for easy integration with Kubernetes clusters. You can use “docker-machine” to create VMs and set up Swarm nodes or Kubernetes worker nodes, enabling the deployment and management of containerized applications in a cluster environment.
docker machine Command Examples
1. List currently running docker machines:
# docker-machine ls
2. Create a new docker machine with specific name:
# docker-machine create name
3. Get the status of a machine:
# docker-machine status name
4. Start a machine:
# docker-machine start name
5. Stop a machine:
# docker-machine stop name
6. Inspect information about a machine:
# docker-machine inspect name
Summary
In summary, the “docker-machine” command simplifies the process of creating, provisioning, and managing Docker-enabled virtual machines. It provides a consistent interface for setting up Docker environments on various platforms, including cloud providers and local virtualization solutions. By using “docker-machine,” you can easily create and manage VMs running Docker, facilitating the deployment and management of containerized applications.