Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Docker on Ubuntu

Are you looking to install Docker on Ubuntu? Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to successfully set up Docker on your Ubuntu machine.

Key Takeaways:

• Installing Docker on Ubuntu requires following a step-by-step guide.
• Ensure you meet the necessary prerequisites, including using a 64-bit version of Ubuntu.
• You can choose from different installation methods, such as Docker Desktop or Docker’s Apt repository.
• After installation, verify it by running a command like “sudo docker run hello-world.
• Learn about post-installation steps, upgrading Docker Engine, and managing Docker containers, volumes, and images.

Prerequisites for Docker Installation

Before diving into the Docker installation process, it is important to ensure that your Ubuntu machine meets the necessary prerequisites. Here are a few key requirements to consider:

• 64-bit Ubuntu Version: Docker requires a 64-bit version of Ubuntu to run properly.
• Secure Boot Disabled: If your system has Secure Boot enabled, you may need to disable it to install Docker.
• Minimum System Requirements: Make sure your system meets the minimum memory, disk space, and CPU requirements specified by Docker. This will ensure optimal performance.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required to download Docker packages and dependencies.

By confirming that your Ubuntu machine meets these prerequisites, you can proceed with confidence to install Docker and unleash the power of containerization.

Table: Docker Prerequisites

Once you have checked off the prerequisites, you are ready to proceed with the installation of Docker on your Ubuntu machine. With Docker, you can unlock a world of possibilities and streamline your development and deployment workflows.

Choosing the Installation Method

When it comes to Docker installation on Ubuntu, you have multiple installation methods to choose from. Let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop is a user-friendly GUI tool that simplifies the installation process. It provides an intuitive interface for managing containers and images. To install Docker using Docker Desktop, simply download the installer package, run the installation wizard, and follow the on-screen instructions. This method is ideal for beginners who prefer a graphical interface.

2. Docker’s Apt Repository: Docker can be installed on Ubuntu using Docker’s Apt repository. This method involves adding the Docker repository to your system’s list of package sources and then installing Docker using the package manager. It provides access to the latest Docker versions and allows for easy updates and maintenance. To install Docker using this method, refer to the official Docker documentation for the specific commands.

3. Convenience Script: Another approach to install Docker on Ubuntu is through a convenience script. This script automatically installs Docker and its dependencies, making the installation process quick and hassle-free. To use the convenience script, simply download it from the Docker GitHub repository and execute it on your system. This method is suitable for users who prefer a simplified installation process.

Comparison: Installation Methods

Now that you are familiar with the different installation methods, you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to consider your level of expertise, the availability of graphical environments, and the desired level of customization. Regardless of the method you choose, installing Docker on Ubuntu opens up a world of possibilities for containerization and application deployment.

Installation via Docker Desktop

If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) for Docker installation, Docker Desktop is a convenient option. Here’s how you can install it on Ubuntu.

1. Visit the official Docker website and download Docker Desktop for Ubuntu.
2. Once the download is complete, open the installer package.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Docker Desktop on your Ubuntu system.
4. After the installation is finished, Docker Desktop will be ready to use.

With Docker Desktop, you can easily manage your Docker environment through a user-friendly interface. It provides a range of features, including the ability to create and manage containers, images, and volumes with just a few clicks.

Now that Docker Desktop is installed, you can start exploring the endless possibilities of containerization on Ubuntu. Enjoy the simplicity and power of Docker with the convenience of a graphical interface!

Table: Docker Desktop Installation Steps

Installation via Docker’s Apt Repository

A popular method for Docker installation on Ubuntu is utilizing Docker’s Apt repository. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of setting up Docker using this approach.

1. First, make sure you meet the necessary prerequisites. You need a 64-bit version of Ubuntu and administrative access to your machine.
2. Open a terminal and update the package database by running the following command:

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3. Install the required packages to allow apt to use a repository over HTTPS:

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4. Add Docker’s official GPG key:

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5. Add the Docker repository to your system’s APT sources:

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6. Update the package database once again:

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7. Finally, install Docker by running the following command:

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Verifying the Installation

Once the installation is complete, you can verify it by running a simple command. Open a terminal and enter the following:

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If everything is set up correctly, you’ll see a “Hello from Docker!” message, confirming that Docker is installed and running on your Ubuntu machine.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing Docker on Ubuntu, there are a few post-installation steps you should consider to optimize your Docker setup:

1. Create a Docker group and add your user to it, allowing you to run Docker without sudo:

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2. Configure Docker to start on boot:

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These steps will enhance the usability and security of your Docker environment on Ubuntu.

Installation using Convenience Script

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to install Docker on Ubuntu, using a convenience script is an excellent choice. Here’s how you can do it.

First, open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you want to download the convenience script. You can use the following command to download the script:

1	curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh

Once the script is downloaded, make it executable by running the following command:

1	sudo chmod +x get-docker.sh

Now, you can execute the script to begin the installation process. Use the command:

1	./get-docker.sh

This will install Docker on your Ubuntu system using the convenience script. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

After the installation is complete, you can verify that Docker is installed and running by executing the command:

1	docker run hello-world

This will run a test container and display a “Hello from Docker” message if the installation was successful.

Summary:

Installing Docker on Ubuntu using a convenience script is a straightforward process. By following the steps above, you can quickly set up Docker and start utilizing its containerization capabilities. Remember to always ensure that you are running the latest version of Docker and regularly update it to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.

Next, we will explore how to verify the Docker installation and perform post-installation steps to optimize your Docker setup.

Verifying the Docker Installation

Once you have completed the Docker installation on Ubuntu, it’s crucial to confirm that the installation was carried out successfully. Let’s check how to verify it.

To begin with, open your terminal and enter the following command:

. This command will pull a small image called “hello-world” from the Docker Hub repository and run it in a container. If everything is working correctly, you will see a message that confirms the successful installation.

Another way to verify the installation is by checking the Docker version. Simply type the command

in your terminal, and it will display the Docker version, build number, and other relevant information.

If you want to get more detailed information about the Docker installation, you can use the command

. This command provides a comprehensive overview of your Docker environment, including the number of containers, images, and other useful details.

By verifying the Docker installation, you can ensure that everything is set up correctly. This step is essential before you proceed with further configuration and start using Docker to deploy and manage your applications.

Table 1: Docker Installation Verification Commands

Now that you have successfully verified the Docker installation on your Ubuntu system, you can proceed to explore all the powerful features and functionalities that Docker offers.

Post-Installation Steps

Congratulations on successfully installing Docker on Ubuntu! Now, let’s explore some crucial post-installation steps and valuable tips to enhance your Docker experience.

1. Configure Docker to Run Without Sudo Privileges:

To avoid using sudo every time you run Docker commands, you can configure Docker to run without sudo privileges. This step improves usability and reduces potential security risks. Simply add your user to the docker group by executing the following command in your terminal:

1	sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Remember to log out and log back in to apply the changes.

2. Use Docker Compose for Multi-Container Management:

If you’ll be working with multiple containers that need to communicate with each other, Docker Compose is a useful tool. It allows you to define and manage multi-container applications using a YAML file. With Docker Compose, you can easily start, stop, and manage your containers as a single entity. To install Docker Compose, refer to the official documentation and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

3. Explore Docker Hub for Ready-to-Use Images:

Docker Hub is the world’s largest library of container images, offering a wide range of pre-built images for various applications and services. Instead of starting from scratch, explore Docker Hub to find ready-to-use images for popular software, databases, web servers, and more. By leveraging existing images, you can save time and effort in setting up your containers. To search for images, visit Docker Hub’s website or use the Docker CLI with the command:

1	docker search <image name>

By following these post-installation steps and exploring the Docker ecosystem, you can take full advantage of Docker on Ubuntu and optimize your containerized applications.

Upgrading Docker Engine

To ensure you have access to the latest features and security enhancements, upgrading Docker Engine on Ubuntu is crucial. Here’s how you can easily upgrade it.

1. Start by opening your terminal and entering the following command to check your current version of Docker:

docker version

This will display information about both the client and server versions of Docker installed on your system.

2. Once you have identified the version you are currently using, you can proceed with the upgrade process. Docker provides a convenient script that will automatically detect and upgrade your Docker Engine to the latest stable release. In your terminal, run the following command:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh

This command will download the script needed for the upgrade.

3. After the script has finished downloading, run the following command to execute it:

sudo sh get-docker.sh

This will start the Docker installation process and upgrade your Docker Engine.

That’s it! You have successfully upgraded Docker Engine on your Ubuntu system. Now you can enjoy the latest features and security updates that Docker has to offer.

Managing Docker Containers, Volumes, and Images

Now that Docker is up and running on your Ubuntu machine, it’s time to delve into managing Docker containers, volumes, and images. Let’s explore the essential techniques.

Managing Docker containers is a crucial aspect of working with Docker. You can use various Docker commands to create, start, stop, and remove containers. To create a container, you can use the

command followed by the name of the image you want to use. For example,

will create and run a container using the nginx image in the background.

When it comes to managing volumes in Docker, you can utilize the

command. This command allows you to create, list, inspect, and remove volumes. Volumes provide persistent storage for your containers, allowing you to store and share data between containers or between a container and the host system. You can create a volume using the

command and specify a name for the volume.

Images play a vital role in Docker as they serve as the base for creating containers. You can use the

command to manage images. This command enables you to list, pull, build, tag, and remove images. For example,

will pull the latest Ubuntu image from the Docker Hub.

By mastering the management of Docker containers, volumes, and images, you can efficiently utilize Docker for your applications and workflows. Whether it’s creating, starting, stopping, or removing containers, managing volumes for persistent storage, or handling images for containerization, understanding these techniques will empower you to leverage the full potential of Docker on your Ubuntu machine.

Configuring Docker for Non-Sudo Usage

To streamline your Docker workflow and improve security, configuring Docker to run without sudo privileges on Ubuntu is highly recommended. Here’s how you can do it.

First, open a terminal and enter the following command to add the Docker group:

1	sudo groupadd docker

Next, add your user to the Docker group with the following command:

1	sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

After adding your user to the Docker group, you’ll need to log out and log back in for the changes to take effect. Once you’ve logged back in, you can test if Docker is running without sudo by running the following command:

1	docker run hello-world

If everything is configured correctly, you should see a message confirming a successful Docker installation.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to enhance your Docker experience:

• To avoid having to type “sudo” each time you run a Docker command, you can add your user to the Docker group.
• Regularly update Docker to ensure you have access to the latest features and security updates. You can easily upgrade Docker Engine by using the package manager or following the official Docker documentation.
• Learn how to effectively manage Docker containers, volumes, and images. This will help keep your Docker environment organized and optimized.
• Consider implementing backup strategies for your Docker data to protect against potential data loss.

By following these recommendations, you’ll be able to configure Docker for non-sudo usage and optimize your Docker workflow on Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the installation of Docker on your Ubuntu machine. By following this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently install Docker on Ubuntu and embark on your containerization journey.

To recap, before installing Docker, make sure you meet the prerequisites, including using a 64-bit version of Ubuntu. Once you’ve met the requirements, you can choose from various installation methods such as using Docker Desktop, installing from Docker’s Apt repository, or using a convenience script. Each method has its advantages, so pick the one that suits your needs best.

After installation, it’s crucial to verify that Docker is working properly. You can do this by running a simple command like “sudo docker run hello-world” to test a container. Additionally, remember to perform post-installation steps to optimize your Docker setup and keep it secure.

Furthermore, this guide has touched on topics like upgrading Docker Engine to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security updates. It has also provided insights into managing Docker containers, volumes, and images effectively.

Lastly, don’t forget to configure Docker to run without sudo privileges using the Linux post-installation steps. This will enhance both the usability and security of your Docker environment.

With Docker installed on your Ubuntu machine, you are now ready to leverage the power of containerization and explore the endless possibilities it offers. Happy containerizing!

• About the Author
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Mark

Mark is a senior content editor at Text-Center.com and has more than 20 years of experience with linux and windows operating systems. He also writes for Biteno.com

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