Transferring Docker Images Between Servers

Transferring Docker Images Between Servers

Transferring Docker images between servers is straightforward using Docker’s save and load functionality, combined with secure file transfer. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Save the Docker Image

First, save the Docker image to a tar file:

docker save ghcr.io/huggingface/text-generation-inference:2.0 -o tgi.tar

This command converts the Docker image into a tar archive, tgi.tar.

Step 2: Transfer the Image

Next, use scp to transfer the tar file to the target server:

scp tgi.tar <username>@<server>:/data/projects/inference_test

Ensure you replace istomin with your username and modify the server address and directory as necessary.

Step 3: Load the Image on the Destination Server

After transferring, log into the destination server and load the image from the tar file:

docker load -i tgi.tar

Step 4: Verify the Image

Confirm the image is loaded correctly:

docker images

Check for the text-generation-inference image in the output list.

Conclusion

This method provides an efficient way to move Docker images across servers without needing a Docker registry, perfect for environments with restricted internet access.

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This condensed version focuses on the essential steps, ensuring clarity and brevity for quick reference.