Moving the Docker Data Directory to Save System Space
By default, Docker images and containers are stored in the /var/lib/docker directory, which can consume a significant amount of system space. This article will guide you through the process of moving the Docker data directory to a new location, such as /home/docker, to save system space.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A system with Docker installed
- Sufficient space in the new location to store the Docker data
Stopping Docker
The first step in moving the Docker data directory is to stop the Docker service:
sudo systemctl stop docker
Moving the Data Directory
Next, move the Docker data directory to the new location:
sudo mv /var/lib/docker /home/docker
Creating a Symbolic Link
Create a symbolic link from the original location to the new location:
sudo ln -s /home/docker /var/lib/docker
Starting Docker
Start the Docker service:
sudo systemctl start docker
Verifying the Move
To verify that the Docker data directory has been moved, you can check the size of the directory:
du -sh /var/lib/docker
Considerations
When moving the Docker data directory, keep in mind the following:
- The new location must have sufficient space to store the Docker data
- The new location must be accessible by the Docker service
- The symbolic link must be created with the correct permissions
References
This article covered the process of moving the Docker data directory to save system space. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Docker images and containers are stored in a location that is better suited to your system's needs.