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Firebird is a powerful open-source SQL database, and thanks to Docker, getting it up and running locally is a breeze. In this guide, we’ll walk through installing Firebird in a Docker container using the official image demonstrate how to configure persistence, initialize databases, and connect to it. Let’s dive in!

1. Choose the Right Docker Image

The official Firebird Docker images are hosted at firebirdsql/firebird on Docker Hub, maintained by the Firebird Project and FD Castel.
They include versions based on v3, v4, and above: 
docker pull firebirdsql/firebird:latest
The repo supports automatic restoration of backups placed in /firebird/restore, which simplifies initializing containers github.com.

2. Run Firebird in Docker

Here’s a basic docker run command: 
docker run -d \
  --name firebird \
  -p 3050:3050 \
  -e ISC_PASSWORD=masterkey \
  firebirdsql/firebird:latest
  • ISC_PASSWORD: sets the SYSDBA password.
  • Port 3050 is where the Firebird server listens.
On startup, a sample database appears under /firebird/data.

3. Use Docker Compose for Persistence

For persistent storage and easy volume management, try this docker-compose.yml: 
version: '3'
services:
  firebird:
    image: firebirdsql/firebird:latest
    container_name: firebird
    ports:
      - "3050:3050"
    environment:
      ISC_PASSWORD: masterkey
    volumes:
      - ./fb-data:/firebird/data
      - ./fb-backups:/firebird/restore
  • fb-data: stores live database files.
  • fb-backups: drop .fbk files here; Firebird auto-restores them if /firebird/data lacks them.
Start it with: 
docker-compose up -d

4. Initialize a Database

To initialize manually or test: 
docker exec -it firebird bash
isql-fb \
  -u SYSDBA \
  -p masterkey \
  /firebird/data/yourdb.fdb
Inside isql-fb, run SQL: 
CREATE TABLE test(x INT);
COMMIT;
The .fdb file now exists in /firebird/data.

5. Connect from Applications

Use JDBC with Jaybird or other drivers. A typical connection string looks like: 
jdbc:firebirdsql://localhost:3050//firebird/data/yourdb.fdb
Important: on Unix-like systems, file paths must include the leading /, sometimes requiring double slashes after the port

6. Customize Configuration

The image supports some environment variables:
  • FIREBIRD_DATABASE, FIREBIRD_USER, FIREBIRD_PASSWORD: auto-creates user and DB.
  • ISC_PASSWORD: sets SYSDBA password.
  • EnableWireCrypt, DataTypeCompatibility, etc.: control compatibility, authentication, and encryption
For example: 
environment:
  ISC_PASSWORD: masterkey
  FIREBIRD_DATABASE: sampledb.fdb
  FIREBIRD_USER: appuser
  FIREBIRD_PASSWORD: apppass
This automates creating a ready-to-use DB.

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