What is the difference between the docker run command and the docker exec command when managing containers?

The docker run command is used to create and start a new container from a specified image. It performs the following steps: creates the container, starts it, and if specified, attaches a terminal.

The docker exec command is used to run a new command inside an already running container. It does not create a new container but works with an existing one.

Example:

• docker run -it ubuntu bash — creates and starts a new container with Ubuntu and opens bash in it.
• docker exec -it <container_id> bash — opens bash in an already running container with the specified ID.

Thus, docker run is for starting a new container, docker exec is for executing commands inside a running container.