Read the article to know more about Artifactory Login using the Docker API Key. As part of our Docker Hosting Support Service, Bobcares provides answers to all of your questions.

Artifactory Login Using Docker API Key

A Docker API key is effectively used in place of a standard username and password combination for authentication when logging into an Artifactory registry. When working with automation scripts or when we wish to avoid saving plain text passwords, this method can be more secure and is especially helpful.

The steps to use a Docker API key to log in to an Artifactory registry are as follows:

1. Initially, go to the Artifactory instance and log in.

2. Then, go to the profile or user settings.

3. Now, search for a way to create an API key. Depending on the settings and version of Artifactory we’re using, this procedure might change.

4. Select “Generate API Key” or a button that looks similar.

5. Now, we need to provide a name or description for the API key; this will allow us to remember what it is for in the future.

6. An API key will be generated by the system. So, this key is a lengthy string of letters and numbers that resembles a password.

7. Open a command prompt or terminal on the computer where Docker is present.

8. Specify the username “apikey” and the API key we generated using the -u and -p flags of the docker login command, respectively.

docker login -u apikey -p YOUR_API_KEY artifactory.example.com

Substitute the Artifactory registry’s actual URL for artifactory.example.com. The API key we created in Step 2 should be used in place of YOUR_API_KEY.

9. We will now receive a message indicating a successful login if we provide the API key accurately and it links to a user account in Artifactory with the required permissions.

10. Now, much like with a standard username and password login, we can use Docker commands to push Docker images to the Artifactory registry or get images from it.

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Conclusion

Since we don’t have to save and send plain text passwords, using an API key for Docker authentication may be a more convenient and safe approach to access the Artifactory registry, especially in automated processes. The API key gives access to the Artifactory resources, so keep it safe.