Minimal Ubuntu Docker Image for Development Guide

This guide provides instructions for creating and using a minimal Ubuntu Docker image tailored for development purposes.

Table of Contents

1. Creating a Minimal Ubuntu Docker Image
2. Dockerfile for Minimal Ubuntu Image
3. Building and Running the Image
4. Using the Development Environment
• 4.1. Entering a Running Container
• 4.2. Copying Files to Running Container
• 4.3. Attaching and Using Display

1. Creating a Minimal Ubuntu Docker Image

To create a minimal Ubuntu Docker image, use the official Ubuntu base image and minimize the installed packages. Here's a basic Dockerfile:

2. Dockerfile for Minimal Ubuntu Image

# Use an official minimal Ubuntu base image
FROM ubuntu:20.04

# Update package lists
RUN apt-get update && \
    apt-get upgrade -y && \
    apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
    build-essential \
    curl \
    ca-certificates \
    git \
    x11-apps \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

# Set the working directory
WORKDIR /app

• FROM: Specifies the official minimal Ubuntu base image.
• RUN: Updates package lists, upgrades installed packages, and installs essential development tools and X11-apps for display.

3. Building and Running the Image

Build the Docker image from the Dockerfile:

docker build -t minimal-ubuntu-dev .

Run a container from the built image:

docker run -it --name minimal-ubuntu-container -e DISPLAY=$DISPLAY -v /tmp/.X11-unix:/tmp/.X11-unix -v /local/folder/:/docker_workspace/folder/ minimal-ubuntu-dev

4. Using the Development Environment

Inside the container, you have a minimal Ubuntu environment with essential development tools. Customize the Dockerfile to add additional tools or packages as needed.

4.1. Entering a Running Container

To enter a running container:

docker exec -it minimal-ubuntu-container bash

4.2. Copying Files to Running Container

To copy files from the host machine to a running container:

docker cp /path/to/local/file minimal-ubuntu-container:/app

4.3. Attaching and Using Display

To attach and use the display with the container:

xhost +local:docker

This allows the container to access the X server on the host.

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