In this article, we'll walk you through setting up and overseeing environment variables in a Docker compartment sent on an AWS EC2 occasion. 

How to Configure ENV in Docker Deployed to EC2

large_Colorful Brushstrokes Artists and Illustrators Collection YouTube Intro (30).png

medium_Colorful Brushstrokes Artists and Illustrators Collection YouTube Intro (30).png

small_Colorful Brushstrokes Artists and Illustrators Collection YouTube Intro (30).png

thumbnail_Colorful Brushstrokes Artists and Illustrators Collection YouTube Intro (30).png

How to Configure ENV in Docker Deployed to EC2?

Organizations are progressively adopting containerization for their applications as they modernize their infrastructure.&nbsp;Docker, a leading container platform, permits you to build, ship, and run applications in isolated environments, guaranteeing consistency across different stages of development.While deploying Docker compartments to cloud services like AWS EC2, designing environment variables (ENV) becomes fundamental in overseeing application settings, such as data set accreditations, programming interface keys, and other arrangement values.&nbsp;Proper handling of ENV guarantees that sensitive data is kept secure while keeping up with adaptability in the deployment process.&nbsp;Whether deploying a small-scale app or an extensive distributed system, understanding how to manage ENV in Docker is crucial for smooth cloud operations.&nbsp;Configuring environment variables in Docker containers deployed on EC2 allows you to change configurations without rebuilding or modifying your images dynamically.&nbsp;This strategy is more productive and upgrades security by keeping sensitive information out of the codebase.You will understand its significance, how to design it, and the prescribed procedures for managing climate factors in your Dockerized applications.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Understanding Environment Variables in Docker</h2>Environment variables are key-value pairs that provide dynamic values to Docker containers during runtime.&nbsp;These values can include anything from database connection strings to API credentials, and they play a vital role in configuring containerized applications.&nbsp;Setting ENV in Docker ensures your container behaves differently based on its deployed environment, such as development, staging, or production.&nbsp;Docker allows you to define environment variables using multiple approaches. The most common methods include defining them in the Dockerfile, passing them at runtime using the docker run command, or specifying them in a Docker Compose file.&nbsp;Each approach has pros and cons, depending on your project’s needs.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Setting Up Docker on EC2</h2>Before configuring ENV, setting up Docker on your EC2 instance is essential. Follow these steps to deploy Docker on an AWS EC2 instance:<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Launch an EC2 Instance</h3>Start by creating an EC2 instance from the AWS Management Console. Choose an instance type that fits your application’s needs.&nbsp;For a typical web app, the t2.micro instance type works well for a development environment.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Install Docker</h3>Once your EC2 instance is installed, connect to it using SSH. Run the following commands to install Docker:<pre><code class="language-plaintext">sudo yum update -y
sudo amazon-linux-extras install docker
sudo service docker start
sudo usermod -a -G docker ec2-user</code></pre><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Pull Docker Image</h3>Once Docker is installed, you can pull the Docker image of your application or a base image that you want to use for your project:docker pull &lt;image-name&gt;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Run the Container</h3>Using the docker run command will allow you to run the Docker container. At this point, we will review how to give the container ENV variables.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Configuring ENV in Docker Containers</h2>You can set up environment settings for your containerized apps in Docker now that it's up and running on your EC2 instance.&nbsp;Here are a few ways to do this:<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Using docker run Command</h3>The simplest way to set environment variables for a Docker container is by using the -e flag with the docker run command.&nbsp;This allows you to pass ENV variables straight into the container at runtime. Here’s an example:<pre><code class="language-plaintext">docker run -e DB_HOST=localhost -e DB_USER=admin -e DB_PASS=secret -p 80:80 &lt;image-name&gt;</code></pre>In this example,&nbsp;<code>DB_HOST</code>, <code>DB_USER</code>, and&nbsp;<code>DB_PASS</code> are environment variables being passed to the container.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Storing ENV Variables in a&nbsp;.env&nbsp;File</h3>Another method involves storing environment variables in a&nbsp;.env file, which can be loaded into the container at runtime.&nbsp;This method is useful when you have multiple variables and want to manage them outside of the command line:<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Create a&nbsp;.env file in the same directory in which your Docker project is:</h3><pre><code class="language-plaintext">DB_HOST=localhost
DB_USER=admin
DB_PASS=secret</code></pre><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Pass this file to Docker when running the container</h3><pre><code class="language-plaintext">docker run --env-file .env -p 80:80 &lt;image-name&gt;</code></pre><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Defining ENV Variables in Dockerfile</h2>Using the ENV directive, you can also define environment variables directly in the Dockerfile.This is useful for setting default values that may be overridden later:<pre><code class="language-plaintext">FROM node:14
ENV DB_HOST=localhost
ENV DB_USER=admin
ENV DB_PASS=secret</code></pre>You can use these environmental factors inside the container after it has been built and run.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Best Practices for Managing ENV Variables</h2><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Avoid Hardcoding Sensitive Data</h3>Always avoid hardcoding sensitive information like passwords or API keys in your Dockerfile or codebase. Instead, use external&nbsp;.env files or secret management tools.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Use AWS Secrets Manager</h3>For more protection, you might use AWS Secrets Manager to store and get sensitive environment variables on the fly.&nbsp;Secrets Manager works well with EC2 and Docker, so you can keep your application passwords safe.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Use Docker Compose for Multi-Container Applications</h3>If your deployment consists of multiple containers, use Docker Compose to manage environment variables for different services:<pre><code class="language-plaintext">version: '3'
services:
 &nbsp;web:
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;image: webapp
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;env_file:
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- .env
 &nbsp;db:
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;image: postgres
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;env_file:
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- db.env</code></pre><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Verifying ENV Configuration</h3>After deploying your container with the necessary environment variables, you can verify that they are adequately set within it.&nbsp;Use the&nbsp;docker exec command to access the running container and check the ENV variables:<pre><code class="language-plaintext">docker exec -it &lt;container-id&gt; /bin/bash
printenv</code></pre>This command will display all the environment variables configured in the container, ensuring they are correctly set up.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Automating Environment Management</h2>Managing environment variables manually can become complex, especially in large-scale applications.&nbsp;Automation tools like Docker Compose, Terraform, or AWS Elastic Beanstalk can simplify the deployment and configuration of ENV variables in Docker containers.&nbsp;Terraform, for example, allows you to define infrastructure as code and manage ENV variables alongside other resources like EC2 instances, databases, and networking components.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Simplifying EC2 Docker Deployments with ENV Variables</h2>One powerful way to make applications safer and more flexible is to set up environment variables in Docker containers running on EC2.&nbsp;Whether you're running a simple web app or a distributed microservices architecture doesn't matter.&nbsp;If you manage your ENV variables correctly, your apps will be secure, scalable, and quickly changed.&nbsp;You can speed up and improve the reliability of your Docker deployments on EC2 by using the methods and best practices described in this article.&nbsp;Take advantage of Docker and AWS EC2's adaptability to make your cloud apps run better with environment variables!Read More<a href="https://devopsden.io/article/how-to-manage-ini-in-docker">https://devopsden.io/article/how-to-manage-ini-in-docker</a>Follow us on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/</a>

As an Application Engineer at Xoogle Global Technologies Pvt. Ltd., I contributed to the development, testing, and deployment of web applications for various clients. I used my skills in Salesforce B2B Commerce, Web Development, and Ethical Hacking to create secure, scalable, and user-friendly solutions that met the business requirements and expectations of the customers.
                    I have a Diploma in Computer Science from Hanswahini Institute of Science and Technology, where I learned the fundamentals of programming, web design, and web applications. I also completed multiple certifications and courses in HTML, CSS, and AJAX to enhance my knowledge and proficiency in web development. I am passionate about exploring new technologies and trends in the field of internet of things (IOT), and I share my insights and experiences on my blog, Subopali. My goal is to leverage my skills and expertise to create innovative and impactful web applications that solve real-world problems and improve people's lives.

WedNov222023DSC_0244 (1) (1).jpg

I am full-stack developer and experienced Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry

How to Configure ENV in Docker Deployed to EC2?

Recent Blogs

How to Manage .ini in Docker?

How To Install Docker On AWS EC2?

Docker Compose Nginx SSL: Simplifying Secure Web Deployments

Information

Contact Us

How to Configure ENV in Docker Deployed to EC2?

Recent Blogs

How to Manage .ini in Docker?

How To Install Docker On AWS EC2?

Docker Compose Nginx SSL: Simplifying Secure Web Deployments

Subscribe to Us

Information

Contact Us