docker-xwindows.md

docker xwindows

suppose you have a running container with an X windows application in it that you would to see in the local host

docker run -tid --name somex ubuntu
docker exec -ti somex /bin/bash
apt update
apt install x11-apps
root@21adbf3c42d9:/# xeyes 
Error: Can't open display: 

to allow the somex container to run x11 you can commit to another mapping /tmp/.X11-unix and setting the DISPLAY environment

follow command will save current container state to a new image named somex2

docker commit somex somex2

this allow us to remove previously and create another one within new volume mapping and environment settings:

docker stop somex && docker rm somex
docker run -tid --name somex --env="DISPLAY" -v /tmp/.X11-unix:/tmp/.X11-unix somex2

now the cmd can be run

docker exec somex xeyes

if get the unauth x11 error

Authorization required, but no authorization protocol specified
Error: Can't open display: :0

can be solved through xhost local:root to allow root user on local machine to connect the x11 protocol.