Exec into a Container¶

When to Use This Guide¶

Use this guide when you need to run a command inside a running container, or open a shell to look around while debugging.

docker exec -it web sh

Step 1: Confirm the Container Is Running¶

exec only works on a running container.

docker ps

Step 2: Open a Shell Inside It¶

docker exec -it web sh

• -it makes the session interactive
• sh is the shell to run (some images also have bash)

Your prompt changes to show you are now inside the container.

Step 3: Run Commands, Then Leave¶

Inside the container you can inspect files or environment variables.

ls
env

Type exit to return to your own terminal.

Run a Single Command Without a Shell¶

To run one command and get the output directly:

docker exec web ls /usr/share/nginx/html

Common Issues¶

"container is not running"

You cannot exec into a stopped container. Check docker ps -a, and view its logs instead.

"executable file not found" for bash

The image may not include bash. Use sh instead.

Related Guides¶

• View Container Logs
• Run a Container