Docker HowTo Auto Start Containers On Reboot

An explanation for systemd as a process manager can be found at :

https://docs.docker.com/engine/admin/host_integration/

Once you are happy with your docker images and container, you must us systemd to restart them.

1. Go to the directory :

/etc/systemd/system

This directory contains all .service files that are used to start docker containers.

2. Check what docker services are enabled on start up

systemctl list-unit-files | grep docker

This will list out all the services that are enabled.

3. To create a new service called docker-[containername].service :

sudo vi /etc/systemd/system/docker-[containername].service

add the contents similar to the following, but change Description ExecStart ExecStop :

[Unit]

Description=Redcap 6.16.8 container

Requires=docker.service

After=docker.service

[Service]

Restart=always

ExecStart=/usr/bin/docker run -v /share:/share -itd -p 82:80 lcbruit/redcap_upgrade:v6.16.8

ExecStop=/usr/bin/docker stop -t 2 lcbruit/redcap_upgrade:v6.16.8

[Install]

WantedBy=default.target

4. If you have a new container build modify the content of this file.

5. To activate the service run the following commands (rename service name) :

systemctl daemon-reload

systemctl start docker-redcap_6.16.8.service

systemctl enable docker-redcap_6.16.8.service

6. To disable a service run the following commands (rename service name) :

systemctl stop docker-redcap_6.16.8.service

systemctl disable docker-redcap_6.16.8.service

7. Change will only come to effect on a reboot

sudo reboot