How can I create Docker Container using New-BcContainerWizard?

Hi Readers,

I am sure you would have heard that NAV/BC docker containers are changed with artifacts.

In this article we will discuss how to setup docker container for Business Central new way.

If you are not using dockers then complete these steps -

• Install Dockers.

• Install latest windows update.

• Enable Hyper V in Bios & Enable Hyper V in Windows.

If you are using dockers then - Remove & Uninstall navcontainerhelper.

If you want to remove all old container and images and want to fresh start then follow steps here.

Now we are set to use dockers with new way. 

For making Business central easier with dockers Freddy have developed a new module called BCContainerHelper.

With BCContainerHelper it will make easy to use NAV / Business Central docker containers.

1. Install BCContainerHelper.

Using PowerShell (Run as administrator) you can install module. 

2. Run Windows PowerShell as administrator. 

3. Run command - New-BcContainerWizard

This is a great wizard that will help you to setup bc container as per your requirement. Freddy k. keep updating it. If its your first container with wizard its super simple to setup a container.

This will open a new PowerShell window and first option is to Accept Eula. Choose Y and click enter.

4. Local Container or Azure VM.

Next option is choose where you want your docker container - Local System or Azure. I will choose a and click enter.

5. Authentication.

There are 04 options to choose from - 

• Your chosen username and password.
• default username and password.
• admin user with random password.
• windows authentication. 

I will choose a and click enter.

6. ContainerName

Container Name is case sensitive and must start with a letter. Best case scenario is use all short lower case.

7. Version

Its time to select the version that you want to use for docker. You can see all options available if you choose to use other than a & b then - 

for c & d - You need to have credentials for  Insider build.

for e to I - You need to know the complete version tag for downloading the artificat.

8. Choose Country.

Now its time to choose the localized version that you want to use to create container. 

9. Test Toolkit.

Choose right option based on your requirement. If you plan to use write automated test then choose a, b or c otherwise choose d.

With you selection - Test Extensions will be installed or not installed during docker creation.

10. Performance Toolkit.

With 2020 Wave 2 Microsoft have added performance toolkit as a extension. If you would like then choose Performance Toolkit. 

11. Premium Plan.

If you want users as Premium users then choose premium plan.

12. Create Test Users.

With dockers you can have test users but this will require a license file.

13. AL Base App Development. 

This option is equivalent to -includeAL. If you plan to modify base app then choose yes.

14. AL Language Extension. 

If you are using an insider build then you will require the supported vsix package for VS Code as its not available in marketplace till then. 

 

15. License. 

You can specify the business central / Dynamics NAV License file if required.

16. Database. 

You need to choose the type of database and location of database that you want to map to container. You can choose from available options. 

17. Multitenant.

With BC Container you can have multitenancy enabled if required. By Default container is set to be multitenant.

18. DNS.

Choose the Type of DNS that you to mapped to container. 

19. SSL.

If you want to use SSL (Self-Signed) or not use SSL choose your options. 

20. Isolation.

You can choose what type of Isolation - Hyper-v or Process Isolation. You can also allow container to decide.

21. Memory Limit. 

Minimum Memory required for docker is 4G. You can decide how much memory you want to set.

22. Save Image.

In NAV container it would have been wise to Save image to save time in future. with BC Container using artifact you can save space by not saving that image. With artifact way only small part is downloaded while new container. 

If you want to create multiple containers from same image then you can save the image.

Output - 

After setting up all options in wizard, Wizard Generates a PowerShell command based on your choice. You can save the script. 

After that system opens PowerShell ISE with generated command. 

Run the command with Green Button and based on internet speed docker container is created.

Lets check the version of container created using Help and Support.

If you have questions about any of the options then add a comment with the step Number and I will try my best to answer your query.

Hope you find information useful.

Regards,

Saurav Dhyani

https://www.sauravdhyani.com/