Docker containers are ephemeral by default—this means that any data stored inside a container is lost when the container is stopped or removed. To persist data, Docker provides volumes, which allow you to store and reuse data across container restarts.
Volumes are especially useful for databases like MySQL, where persistent storage is essential. This guide is a quick teaser on how to use Docker volumes to persist MySQL data.
Create a Volume
docker volume create --name storage_test
List All Volumes
docker volume ls
Where Does Docker Store My Volume Data?
docker volume inspect storage_test
💡 This command shows detailed information about the volume, including the path on your host system where the data is stored.
Remove a Volume
docker volume rm storage_test
⚠️ You can’t remove a volume that’s currently in use by a running container.
Run a MySQL Container with a Volume
docker volume create --name storagedb
docker run --name mysql-01 \
-v storagedb:/var/lib/mysql \
-e MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=123456 \
-d mysql:latest
Execute a SQL Script Inside the Container
docker exec -i mysql-01 \
sh -c 'exec mysql -uroot -p"$MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD"' < ./mysql/databases.sql
Notes
💡 Docker volumes are a powerful way to persist and share data across containers. You can also use the same volume in multiple containers if needed.
Thanks for reading! ✨