Mender blog

How to update a Docker container with Mender using Raspberry Pi

A Docker container packages applications in containers by virtualizing the operating system and dividing it into compartments to run applications. Powerful CPU-based devices can leverage virtualization to enable containers. Containers are easy to manage due to their atomic nature, enable more efficient use of system resources, faster delivery cycle and provide a nice layer of isolation. Microsoft Azure IoT Edge has opted in for this approach making it easy for their ecosystem to both develop and consume different services (as containers).

Application updates entail any kind of update not being a system update, typically software running higher up in the stack such as the UI application, or cloud connectivity client. Mender uses a framework called Update Modules to enable application-based updates and comes with support for these types of updates out-of-the-box:

  • Packages (deb and rpm)
  • Containers (docker)
  • Files (directory copy/sync)

Figure below illustrates the container update use case with Mender.

The Mender client, a process that runs in user space on top of the operating system, uses Docker Update Modules. Installing the Docker Update Module will enable support for installing Docker containers. When the Mender client downloads a Docker container from the server, it will run the Docker Update Module executable associated with the type of software downloaded. The Update Module is responsible for carrying out the steps needed to install software of this type.

Learn more in this tutorial on how to use Docker Update Module to update a Docker container using a Raspberry Pi 3.

Recent articles

IoT Slam 2025: The impact of AI

IoT Slam 2025: The impact of AI

The recent IoT Slam 2025 conference outlined cutting-edge trends and technologies covering the entire spectrum of IoT across industries.
CVE-2025-49603 - Improper access control of device groups in Mender Server

CVE-2025-49603 - Improper access control of device groups in Mender Server

An ethical hacker on our HackerOne private bug bounty program recently discovered and disclosed access control issues with device groups in Mender Server.
IoT growth is outpacing readiness – here’s what the data says

IoT growth is outpacing readiness – here’s what the data says

Learn more about the key takeaways from Northern.tech's recent 2025 State of Industrial IoT Device Lifecycle Management report.
View more articles

Learn why leading companies choose Mender

Discover how Mender empowers both you and your customers with secure and reliable over-the-air updates for IoT devices. Focus on your product, and benefit from specialized OTA expertise and best practices.

 
sales-pipeline_295756365