Troubleshooting the Standard_init_linux.go:190 Exec Format Error: Guide for User Process Solutions

This guide will help you understand and troubleshoot the standard_init_linux.go:190: exec user process caused "exec format error" issue, which is commonly encountered when running Docker containers. We will discuss the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Exec Format Error
2. Common Causes of the Error
3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
4. FAQs
5. Related Links

Understanding the Exec Format Error

The standard_init_linux.go:190: exec user process caused "exec format error" is a common error that occurs when you try to run a Docker container. This error usually indicates that there is an issue with the executable file format, which is preventing the container from running successfully.

The error message comes from the Docker source code, specifically from the standard_init_linux.go file. It is triggered when the Docker daemon tries to execute a user process inside the container but encounters an issue with the file format.

Common Causes of the Error

There are several common causes for the standard_init_linux.go:190: exec user process caused "exec format error":

1. Incompatible architecture: The container image is built for a different architecture than the host system, such as running an ARM image on an x86_64 system.
2. Incorrect or missing shebang: The script being executed inside the container is missing the shebang (#!) line or has an incorrect shebang.
3. Corrupted binary: The binary file inside the container is corrupted or has an invalid format.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps to identify and fix the standard_init_linux.go:190: exec user process caused "exec format error" issue:

Step 1: Verify the Container Image Architecture

1. Check the architecture of your host system using the following command:

uname -m

1. Verify the architecture of the container image you are trying to run:

docker inspect --format '{{.Architecture}}' <image-name>

1. If the architectures do not match, you need to find a compatible container image or build the image for the correct architecture.

Step 2: Check the Shebang Line in the Script

1. Open the script being executed inside the container using a text editor.
2. Ensure that the script starts with a valid shebang line, such as #!/bin/sh or #!/bin/bash.
3. If the shebang is missing or incorrect, update the script and rebuild the container image.

Step 3: Verify the Binary File Format

1. Run the file command on the binary file inside the container to check its format:

docker run --rm -it <image-name> file <path-to-binary>

1. If the binary file format is incorrect or corrupted, replace the binary with a valid one and rebuild the container image.

FAQs

Q1: Can I run an ARM container image on an x86_64 machine?

While it is possible to run ARM container images on x86_64 machines using QEMU emulation, it is not recommended for production environments due to performance implications. It is better to use a compatible container image or build the image specifically for the target architecture.

Q2: How do I build a Docker image for a specific architecture?

To build a Docker image for a specific architecture, you can use the --platform flag with the docker build command:

docker build --platform <architecture> -t <image-name> .

Replace <architecture> with the target architecture, such as linux/arm or linux/amd64.

Q3: What is a shebang line and why is it important?

A shebang line is the first line of a script that indicates the interpreter that should be used to execute the script. It starts with #! followed by the path to the interpreter, such as /bin/sh or /bin/bash. The shebang line is essential because it tells the operating system how to execute the script correctly.

Q4: How do I fix a corrupted binary file?

To fix a corrupted binary file, you need to replace it with a valid one. This can be done by downloading a new copy of the binary from a trusted source or recompiling the source code if available.

Q5: Can I use Docker Compose to fix the Exec Format Error?

Docker Compose can be helpful in managing and deploying container images. However, it does not directly resolve the standard_init_linux.go:190: exec user process caused "exec format error" issue. You still need to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this guide to fix the error.

Related Links

1. Docker Documentation
2. Docker Hub
3. Dockerfile Reference
4. Docker Compose Documentation
5. Docker Forums