Docker is a powerful platform that allows developers to create, deploy, and run applications in containers. This guide walks you through installing Docker on Ubuntu using Docker’s official repository, ensuring you get the latest version available.

Step 1: Update Your Package Repository

First, update the package list to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about available software.

Step 1.1: Open Terminal

Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.

Step 1.2: Update the Package List

Run the following command to update your package list:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Prerequisite Packages

Docker requires certain packages to manage packages over HTTPS. Let’s install them now.

Step 2.1: Install Required Packages

Run the following command to install the necessary packages:

sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key

Docker uses a GPG key for package verification. Let’s add that key to your system.

Step 3.1: Add Docker’s GPG Key

Run the following command to download and add Docker’s official GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add -

Step 4: Add Docker Repository

Now, add the Docker repository to your system’s list of APT sources.

Step 4.1: Set Up the Stable Repository

Add the official Docker repository for Ubuntu:

sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"

Step 5: Install Docker Engine

With the repository added, update your package list again and install Docker.

Step 5.1: Update Package List

Run this command to refresh your package list:

sudo apt update

Step 5.2: Install Docker

Install Docker by running:

sudo apt install docker-ce

This installs Docker Community Edition (CE), which is the version intended for most developers.

Step 6: Verify Installation

Let’s check if Docker was installed correctly and test it by running a container.

Step 6.1: Check Docker Service Status

To check if Docker is running, use the following command:

sudo systemctl status docker

If Docker is running, you should see an output indicating the service is active.

Step 6.2: Run a Test Container

Verify Docker by running the hello-world container:

sudo docker run hello-world

This will pull the hello-world image from Docker Hub and run it in a container, confirming that Docker is installed and working.

Step 7: Run Docker as a Non-root User (Optional)

By default, Docker commands require sudo privileges. If you’d like to run Docker commands as a regular user, follow these steps:

Step 7.1: Create the Docker Group

Create a new group named docker:

sudo groupadd docker

Step 7.2: Add Your User to the Docker Group

Add your current user to the docker group:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Step 7.3: Restart the Terminal

After adding your user to the docker group, log out and log back in, or restart the terminal for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully installed Docker on your Ubuntu system. Now you’re ready to start containerizing your applications and exploring the powerful features Docker offers.

For more tutorials and guides on Docker, web development, and database management, visit CodeAllow.