Docker Engine Docker: Error response from daemon: failed to create shim

What is Docker Engine Docker: Error response from daemon: failed to create shim

Understanding Docker Engine

Docker Engine is a containerization technology that allows developers to automate the deployment of applications inside lightweight, portable containers. It is widely used for its efficiency and scalability, enabling consistent environments across development, testing, and production.

Identifying the Symptom

When working with Docker, you might encounter the error message: Docker: Error response from daemon: failed to create shim. This error typically occurs when there is a problem with the container runtime or its configuration.

Exploring the Issue

What is a Shim?

A shim in Docker is a small piece of code that acts as an intermediary between the Docker daemon and the container runtime. It helps manage the lifecycle of a container process.

Why Does This Error Occur?

This error can occur due to several reasons, such as incorrect runtime configuration, missing dependencies, or issues with the Docker installation itself.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Verify Runtime Configuration

Ensure that your Docker runtime is correctly configured. You can check the current runtime settings by running:

docker info | grep -i runtime

Ensure that the runtime specified is installed and accessible.

2. Check for Missing Dependencies

Sometimes, missing dependencies can cause this error. Ensure that all necessary packages are installed. For example, if you are using containerd as your runtime, ensure it is properly installed:

sudo apt-get install containerd

3. Restart Docker Service

Restarting the Docker service can resolve transient issues. Use the following command to restart Docker:

sudo systemctl restart docker

4. Review Docker Logs

Examine Docker logs for more detailed error messages that can provide further insights. Use the following command to view logs:

journalctl -u docker.service

Additional Resources

For more information on Docker runtime configurations, visit the Docker Documentation. If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to the Docker Community Forums for support.