Docker on Windows - Visual Code over Xming

Run Visual Studio Code, from a Docker container based on Debian 8 hosted on Windows and powered by Xming (a Windows X11 server).

keywords

Docker, Dockerfile, Docker Hub, linux, Xming, X11 server

Description

Traditionally we see container running applications on the server side, leaving it's presentation layer to typically a browse or, to interacte with the container via a command prompt. However, it's also possible to run a container and use a X11 server to access a GUI. In this example, I'll explain how to run a container on a Windows environment to use Visual Studio Code.

Prerequisites

Docker Image

A Docker Image available on Docker Hub:

• Visual-Studio-Code-on-Docker

Windows X11 server

• Xming

Configuration

1. Configure Xming X Server x0.hosts file with your ip address (e.g.:)

localhost
192.168.1.7	

Note: default location is c:\Program Files (x86)\Xming\x0.hosts

Instructions for use on Windows

1. Make sure Xming is install and configured

2. Open a PowerShell command prompt.

3. Set the DISPLAY environment variable (make sure to replace <localhost> with you own settings)

    PS> set-variable -name DISPLAY -value <localhost>:0.0

4. Run a Docker image in interactive mode (replace <docker_image> with the designated image or with your own):

    PS> docker run -it --privileged -e DISPLAY=$DISPLAY -v /tmp/.X11-unix:/tmp/.X11-unix <docker_image>