Docker Container Error Code 139: How to Fix It

Q: What causes Docker container exit code 139?

Exit code 139 is caused by a segmentation fault (SIGSEGV) where a process tries to access memory it doesn't have permission to use. Common causes include memory leaks, buffer overflows, corrupted container images, or insufficient system resources.

Q: How do I prevent Docker containers from getting exit code 139?

Prevent segfaults by ensuring adequate memory allocation, using stable base images, implementing proper error handling in your applications, regularly updating dependencies, and monitoring resource usage during development and testing.

Q: Is Docker exit code 139 the same as SIGSEGV?

Yes, Docker exit code 139 corresponds to SIGSEGV (signal 11 + 128 = 139). This is the standard Unix signal for segmentation violations, indicating illegal memory access by the running process.

Q: Can I recover data from a container that exited with code 139?

Yes, if you didn't use the --rm flag, you can access the container's filesystem using 'docker cp [container_id]:/path/to/file ./local/path' or commit the container to an image with 'docker commit [container_id] [new_image_name]'.

Abstract

Docker error code 139 indicates your container crashed with a segmentation fault (SIGSEGV), meaning a process tried to access memory it shouldn't. This usually happens due to corrupted container images, insufficient memory, or application bugs.