How to install vim/nano in the docker container

ozhanli
2 min readSep 15, 2020

Step 1: Identify the Linux Distribution

Before you can update the package index or install Vim or Nano, you need to identify the Linux distribution used in the Docker container. To do this, you can run the following command:

cat /etc/os-release

This will display information about the Linux distribution used in the container, including the name and version.

Step 2: Install the Appropriate Package Manager

Once you have identified the Linux distribution used in the container, you need to install the appropriate package manager.

Debian/Ubuntu

For Debian and Ubuntu, you can use the apt-get package manager. To install it, run the following command:

apt-get update

CentOS/Fedora

For CentOS and Fedora, you can use the yum package manager. To install it, run the following command:

yum update

Alpine

For Alpine, you can use the apk package manager. To install it, run the following command:

apk update

This command will update the package index to ensure that you have access to the latest packages available.

Step 3: Install Vim or Nano

To install Vim or Nano in the Docker container, you need to run the appropriate command for the Linux distribution you are using.

Install Vim

Debian/Ubuntu

apt-get install vim -y

CentOS/Fedora

yum install vim -y

Alpine

apk add vim

Install Nano

Debian/Ubuntu

apt-get install nano -y

CentOS/Fedora

yum install nano -y

Alpine

apk add nano

The -y flag is used to confirm the installation without prompting for confirmation.

Step 4: Verify Installation

After the installation is complete, you can verify if Vim or Nano is installed by running the following command:

vim --version

or

nano --version

This will show you the version information for the installed program.

Step 5: Exit the Docker Container

Finally, you can exit the Docker container by typing the command:

exit

This will exit the container and return you to the host operating system.

Conclusion

In summary, installing Vim or Nano in a Docker container is a simple process that involves identifying the Linux distribution used in the container, installing the appropriate package manager, installing the desired text editor, verifying the installation, and exiting the container. By following these steps and using the appropriate command for your Linux distribution, you can easily install and use Vim or Nano in a Docker container.

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