How to Delete All Docker-Related Caches

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How to Delete All Docker-Related Caches

Docker can accumulate a significant amount of disk space over time due to images, containers, volumes, and build caches. This README will guide you on how to delete Docker-related caches to free up space on your system, including the use of the docker builder prune command.

1. Overview of Docker Cache Types

Docker can accumulate different types of caches:

Images: Docker images can pile up, especially when you frequently build new images or pull new versions.
Containers: Containers, especially stopped ones, can occupy disk space.
Volumes: Docker volumes store data for containers and can accumulate unused data.
Networks: Docker networks that are not in use can consume space.
Build Cache: Docker's build cache stores layers from previously built images, which can grow large if you often build images.

2. Commands to Clean Up Docker Cache

2.1. Prune Unused Docker Objects

The docker system prune command is used to clean up unused Docker objects (containers, images, networks, and volumes). You can run the following command:

docker system prune
By default, this command will ask you to confirm before removing:

All stopped containers
All unused networks
All dangling images (images not associated with any container)
All unused volumes
If you want to automatically confirm the deletion without being prompted, add the -f flag:

docker system prune -f

2.2. Prune Unused Docker Containers

Docker containers that are stopped still consume disk space. To remove all stopped containers, run:

docker container prune
This will prompt you to confirm before deleting all stopped containers. To automatically confirm, use:

docker container prune -f

2.3. Prune Unused Docker Images

Docker images can accumulate, especially when new versions are pulled or new builds are created. To remove unused or dangling images (images not referenced by any containers), use:

docker image prune
To remove all unused images, even those that are associated with stopped containers, use:

docker image prune -a
To avoid the confirmation prompt, use the -f flag:

docker image prune -a -f

2.4. Prune Unused Docker Volumes

Docker volumes store persistent data for containers. Unused volumes can accumulate, consuming significant space. To remove unused volumes:

docker volume prune
To skip the confirmation prompt, use:

docker volume prune -f

2.5. Prune Unused Docker Networks

Docker networks are used by containers to communicate. To remove unused networks:

docker network prune
To skip the confirmation prompt:

docker network prune -f

2.6. Prune Docker Build Cache

Docker uses build cache to optimize the build process. Over time, this cache can grow and consume a lot of space. To remove unused build cache, use the docker builder prune command:

docker builder prune
This will ask you to confirm before cleaning up the build cache. To avoid the confirmation prompt, you can run:

docker builder prune -f

2.6.1. Remove All Build Cache

By default, docker builder prune only removes unused build cache that is not associated with any active build. If you want to remove all build cache, even those that may still be in use, use the --all flag:

docker builder prune --all
To skip the confirmation prompt:

docker builder prune -a -f

2.7. Clean Up Everything at Once

To clean up everything in one go, you can combine commands:

docker system prune -a -f docker volume prune -f docker builder prune -a -f
This will:

Remove all unused containers, images, networks, and volumes.
Clean up all unused build cache.

3. Check Disk Usage After Cleanup

After performing the cleanup, you can check how much space Docker is using by running:

docker system df
This will provide an overview of the space used by Docker images, containers, local volumes, and build cache.

4. Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can easily delete all unused Docker caches and reclaim valuable disk space on your system. Regular cleanup of Docker's resources, especially after frequent container and image builds, will help prevent your system from becoming cluttered with unused Docker data.

If you need to clean up even more space, don't forget to check Docker's build cache, which can grow significantly over time, and use the docker builder prune command to remove it.