# Introduction

Welcome the Docker Guide for Coti Nodes. This guide is aimed at node operators who are not necessarily familiar with Docker, but who may be curious and want to learn more. It tries to explain why using Docker could be a beneficial way to run a Coti node, and gives all of the guidance needed to understand how to run and maintain a Coti node using Docker. 

If you're curious about how Docker works, or why Docker could be a useful way to run your node, check the [Why Docker?](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/introduction/why-docker) page.

## How this guide is structured

1. The Basics
   1. [Installing Docker](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/the-basics/installing-docker)
   2. [Whoami?](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/the-basics/whoami) (A simple Docker example)
   3. [Docker Compose](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/the-basics/docker-compose)
2. Installing the Coti Node
   1. [Installing Docker on a Server](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/installing-the-coti-node/installing-docker-on-a-server)
   2. [Copying the Configuration Files](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/installing-the-coti-node/downloading-the-configuration-files)
   3. [Creating a .env file](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/installing-the-coti-node/creating-the-.env-file)
   4. [Launching Your Node](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/installing-the-coti-node/launching-your-node)
3. Reference
   1. [Commands](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/docker-reference/commands-reference)

## What if I’m already familiar with Docker?

If you’re already familiar with Docker, this guide could still be useful to you. In this case, I suggest either of the following two options:

1. Skip the basics section and follow the [Installing the Coti node](https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/the-basics/installing-docker) section to launch the Coti Node.
2. Go straight to the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/tomjwells/coti-node), which has its own guide and all the files you need to get started.

<br>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docker.guides.coticommunity.com/introduction.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.