Docker
Docker
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Docker as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect Quick start, Running in gateway mode, Running the dashboard, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Docker without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Gateway
- The process that connects Hermes to channels such as Telegram or Discord and routes messages.
Running Hermes Agent in Docker and using Docker as a terminal backend
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01Quick start
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Running in gateway mode
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Running the dashboard
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04Running interactively (CLI chat)
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Persistent volumes
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Immutable install tree
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Multi-profile support
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08Reaching more than one profile from outside the container
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Why one container with many profiles, not many containers
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10When you DO want a separate container
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
mkdir -p ~/.hermes
docker run -it --rm \
-v ~/.hermes:/opt/data \
nousresearch/hermes-agent setupdocker run -d \
--name hermes \
--restart unless-stopped \
-v ~/.hermes:/opt/data \
-p 8642:8642 \
nousresearch/hermes-agent gateway runtool_loop_guardrails:
hard_stop_enabled: true
hard_stop_after:
exact_failure: 5
idempotent_no_progress: 5Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.