How to Copy Files Inside a Local Virtual Machine using Docker

Описание: Learn the steps to easily copy files to your Docker virtual machine or create and edit files without needing additional software.
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How to Copy Files Inside a Local Virtual Machine using Docker

When working with Docker, especially within a swarm or a stack context, you may encounter challenges when trying to copy files or edit configuration files within a virtual machine (VM). This is a common scenario that many developers face as they follow guides on Docker orchestration. In this guide, we'll address a specific issue: how to copy a YAML file to a local VM or create and edit one directly there without unnecessary complications.

Understanding the Problem

The typical workflow of deploying a Docker stack involves having your docker-compose.yml file ready for deployment. However, if you're using a virtual machine—like one created with Docker Machine—you might find yourself locked out of your local file system from within that VM. A user encountered this problem trying to follow a guide, leading them to confusion about where their VM's file locations were in relation to their local machine.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps the user attempted before finding a solution:

SSH into the VM to create and edit the YAML file.

Attempt to locate the VM's file structure (/home/docker).

Run into installation issues while trying to get text editors like vim or nano inside the VM.

The Solution

The user found a solution that simplifies the process of accessing files without needing to SSH into the VM directly. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Set the Environment to the VM Context

Instead of SSHing into your VM, use the following commands to switch your command context to the VM's environment:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By running these commands, you are essentially telling Docker to treat your local machine as if it is the VM, allowing you to run swarm commands while retaining access to your local files.

Step 2: Deploy the Docker Stack

With the environment set, you can now navigate to your local directory that contains your Docker Compose YAML file. Then deploy your stack using the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command will deploy your app leveraging the Docker stack functionality without any need to manually copy files into the VM.

Step 3: Revert Context Back to Local Machine

After you finish working within the VM context, it’s good practice to revert your Docker context back to your local machine. To do this, simply run:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command switches your context back, allowing you to continue working with your local files without interference from the VM settings.

Conclusion

With just a couple of commands to change the context, you've avoided the hassle of copying or editing files directly inside the VM. This method not only streamlines your workflow but also preserves your local environment's integrity.

If you're following along with a guide and need to work with Docker stacks, remember this handy approach to save time and avoid unnecessary complications.

Happy docking, and good luck with your Docker projects!