Fix Docker Container Exits Immediately

Understanding the Problem

Container exits immediately after start (status: Exited).

View Logs

docker logs container_name
docker logs container_id
docker logs --tail 50 container_name
docker logs -f container_name

Common Causes and Fixes

1. Command Finishes Immediately

docker run ubuntu echo "hello"
docker run -d ubuntu sleep infinity
docker run -d nginx

2. Missing Interactive Mode

docker run -it ubuntu bash

3. Port Conflict

Check logs for port allocation errors.

4. Missing Environment Variables

docker run -e "VAR=value" image_name

5. Volume Mount Issues

ls -la /host/path
docker run -v /absolute/host/path:/container/path image

Debug Mode

docker run -it --entrypoint /bin/bash image_name

Dockerfile Fix

CMD ["nginx", "-g", "daemon off;"]

Exit Code Check

docker inspect container_name --format='{{.State.ExitCode}}'