Connecting Docker Containers to Host MySQL on AWS

When running an Nginx instance inside a Docker container, you may need to connect to a MySQL database that is hosted on the Docker host. If MySQL is configured to bind only to localhost, this can present a challenge. Below are steps to facilitate this connection.

Understanding Docker Networking

Docker containers operate in isolated environments, which means they cannot directly access services running on the host unless configured correctly. The IP address of the Docker host can vary based on the network mode used (bridge, host, etc.), which affects connectivity.

Using Host Networking Mode

One effective method to allow your Docker container to access the MySQL service on the host is to use the `--network=