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homelab-docs/docker/volumes/README.md
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2026-06-15 12:07:32 +00:00

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Docker Volumes

Purpose

Docker volumes store persistent data outside of containers.

Containers can be deleted and recreated without losing data stored in volumes.

Why Volumes Matter

A container is temporary.

A volume contains the important data.

Example:

  • Delete container = service disappears
  • Keep volume = data remains
  • Recreate container = service returns with data intact

Current Volumes

Volume Purpose
uptime-kuma Monitoring data
portainer_data Portainer configuration
gitea_data Git repositories, users, settings

Commands

List volumes:

docker volume ls

Inspect a volume:

docker volume inspect VOLUME_NAME

Example:

docker volume inspect uptime-kuma

Real World Example

Uptime Kuma stores:

  • Monitors
  • Notifications
  • Settings
  • Historical uptime data

inside its Docker volume.

If the container crashes, the data remains.

Lessons Learned

  • Containers are disposable.
  • Volumes contain important data.
  • Backups should focus on volumes.
  • Persistent services should always use volumes.
  • Volumes make upgrades and migrations easier.

Backup Strategy

Important volumes to back up:

  • gitea_data
  • uptime-kuma
  • portainer_data

Date Created

June 15, 2026