Hey there! So you want to know how to install Docker on Ubuntu? Well, you’ve come to the right place. As a technical writer and Docker enthusiast, I’m excited to guide you through the installation process. Docker is an incredibly powerful tool that allows you to create, deploy, and manage applications using containers. It’s a game-changer in the world of software development and deployment. So, let’s dive in!
Prerequisites
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have everything we need:
- A machine running Ubuntu (any recent version will do)
- An internet connection (for downloading Docker)
- Basic knowledge of the command line
Step 1: Update your system
First things first, let’s ensure our Ubuntu system is up to date. Open up a terminal and run the following command:
$ sudo apt update
This command will update the package lists for upgrades and new package installations. It’s always a good idea to start with an updated system to avoid any potential conflicts.
Step 2: Install Docker
Now that we have our system updated, we can proceed with the installation of Docker. Luckily, Docker provides a convenient script that takes care of everything for us. Run the following command in your terminal:
$ curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
$ sudo sh get-docker.sh
What we’re doing here is downloading the installation script using curl and then running it as root using sudo sh. This script will add the Docker repository, install the necessary packages, and start the Docker service.
Step 3: Add yourself to the Docker group
By default, Docker commands can only be run by the root user or users in the docker group. To avoid having to use sudo every time we want to run a Docker command, we can add our user to the docker group. Run the following command to add yourself to the group:
$ sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
After running this command, you will need to log out and log back in for the changes to take effect. You can do this by simply restarting your computer or using the following command:
$ sudo systemctl restart docker
Step 4: Verify the installation
Now that we have Docker installed, let’s make sure it’s working correctly. Run the following command to check the Docker version:
$ docker --version
If Docker is installed correctly, you should see the version number printed in the terminal. Congratulations, you’re now ready to start using Docker on Ubuntu!
Conclusion
Installing Docker on Ubuntu is a straightforward process, thanks to the provided installation script. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should now have Docker up and running on your Ubuntu machine. Docker opens up a world of possibilities for software development and deployment, so be sure to explore its features and unleash your creativity. Happy containerizing!