Puppet Container Registry is an enterprise-ready Docker registry that helps teams store, manage, and secure container images in a controlled environment. Because container adoption is growing fast, having a reliable private registry is essential for modern DevOps and cloud-native workflows.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install, configure, and use Puppet Container Registry step by step. At the same time, you’ll see how it fits naturally into scalable DevOps, microservices, and cloud architectures.
What Is Puppet Container Registry?
Puppet Container Registry is an enterprise Docker registry available aspuppet/puppet-container-registry-enterprise.
It supports secure image storage, access control, and integration with common infrastructure components. As a result, teams can manage container images with more confidence and control compared to public registries.
Moreover, it aligns well with Infrastructure as Code and automated operations practices.
Getting Started With Puppet Container Registry
To begin using Puppet Container Registry, you need both the container image and a valid license.
Download Puppet Container Registry
First, pull the enterprise image using Docker:
docker pull puppet/puppet-container-registry-enterprise
Next, sign up at licenses.puppet.com. After that, click Get License and choose the Trial License for Container Registry. Download the license file and keep it ready, because you’ll need it during setup.
Puppet Container Registry Storage Options
Puppet Container Registry can store Docker images in two ways:
- AWS S3 for cloud-native deployments
- File system storage for local or evaluation setups
However, if you use file system storage, you must mount a persistent volume. Otherwise, images will be lost when the container stops. Therefore, always ensure the directory exists before starting the container and use the -v option.
This approach is commonly used in development and testing environments. For production workloads, object storage such as S3 is often preferred.
Database Setup
Registry works with:
- AWS DynamoDB
- MySQL 5.7.23
If you are evaluating Registry for the first time, MySQL is easier to configure and clean up later. Because of this, it is recommended for trial environments.
Run the following command to start MySQL:
docker run --rm -d -p 3306:3306 --name=mysql \
-e MYSQL_DATABASE=pcr \
-e MYSQL_USER=pcr \
-e MYSQL_PASSWORD=password \
-e MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=password \
mysql/mysql-server:5.7.23
On the first run, Puppet Container Registry automatically creates the required tables and indexes.
Configure Puppet Container Registry
Once the services are running, open a browser and navigate to:
http://localhost:8080
Configure Storage
Select File System as the storage backend. Then, enter . as the Storage Root Directory.
This configuration works only for evaluation because data will not persist after the container exits.
For persistent storage, mount a volume into the container and configure that mounted path instead.
Create a Root Account in Puppet Container Registry
Next, create the root account by entering an email address and password.
This account is used only for administration. Therefore, it cannot create repositories and should not be used as a regular user.
After creating the account, log in and upload the license file you downloaded earlier. Review and accept the license to continue.
Once completed, log out using the logout button in the top-right corner.
Create a User Account
Now, click Sign Up and create a standard user account.
For consistency with the examples below, set the username to testuser.
You will be logged in automatically after registration.
Create Your First Repository
To start working with images in Puppet Container Registry, create a repository:
- Click Create Token and copy the Docker login command
- Paste the command into your terminal to authenticate Docker
- Click Create a Local Repository
- Name the repository
hello-worldand click Create
Push Your First Image to Puppet Container Registry
Finally, push a container image into your new repository:
docker pull hello-world
docker tag hello-world localhost:8080/testuser/hello-world
docker push localhost:8080/testuser/hello-world
As a result, your first image is now stored securely in Puppet Container Registry.
Puppet Container Registry in Modern DevOps Pipelines
In real-world environments, Puppet Container Registry is often part of a broader DevOps and cloud strategy. It integrates well with CI/CD pipelines, microservices architectures, and automated infrastructure workflows.
At the same time, organizations often need help designing, securing, and operating these platforms at scale. This is where ZippyOPS adds value.
ZippyOPS provides consulting, implementation, and managed services across DevOps, DevSecOps, DataOps, Cloud, Automated Ops, AIOps, and MLOps. Whether you are building container platforms, securing registries, or managing microservices infrastructure, ZippyOPS helps streamline operations and reduce risk.
You can explore their offerings here:
For practical insights and walkthroughs, their YouTube channel is also a useful resource:
https://www.youtube.com/@zippyops8329
For Docker registry concepts and best practices, Docker’s official documentation provides additional guidance:
https://docs.docker.com/registry/
Conclusion
Puppet Container Registry offers a secure and flexible way to manage Docker images in private environments. Because it supports multiple storage backends and integrates with common databases, it fits well into modern cloud and microservices setups.
In summary, by combining Puppet Container Registry with strong DevOps practices and expert support from ZippyOPS, teams can build reliable, secure, and scalable container platforms.
For professional consulting or managed services, contact:
sales@zippyops.com
