When should you typically check the Docker logs for a container?

Checking the Docker logs for a container is primarily done when troubleshooting application issues. The logs contain real-time information about the container's running processes, including error messages, warning notifications, and output from the application running inside the container. This information is invaluable for diagnosing why an application may not be behaving as expected or why it may be failing to start.

For example, if an application crashes or has bugs, the logs can reveal exception traces or specific errors that occurred, allowing developers and system administrators to pinpoint what went wrong and take corrective actions. This effective logging system is essential for maintaining reliable applications, as it aids in monitoring and improving performance.

In contrast, the other choices do not pertain to the primary use of Docker logs. Finding the image version, pulling a new image, and listing running containers are tasks that relate to container management but do not involve examining the operational details of specific containers. Docker logs are specifically focused on capturing the behavior of applications rather than these management tasks.