How to Install and Use Docker on Linux

Docker has revolutionized the way developers build, ship, and run applications by leveraging containerization. For Linux users, Docker offers an efficient and scalable way to manage applications. This article will guide you through the installation and usage of Docker on Linux, enabling you to harness its full potential.

Prerequisites#

Before installing Docker, ensure your Linux system meets the following requirements:

A 64-bit operating system.
Kernel version 3.10 or higher.
Root or sudo privileges.

To check your kernel version, run:

uname -r

Step by step#

Step 1: Update Your System#

Ensure your package manager is up to date to avoid conflicts during installation:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Docker#

On Ubuntu:

Add Docker’s official GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

Set up the Docker repository:

echo \"deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable\" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

Install Docker:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y

On CentOS:

Remove older Docker versions:

sudo yum remove docker docker-client docker-client-latest docker-common docker-latest docker-latest-logrotate docker-logrotate docker-engine

Set up the repository:

sudo yum install -y yum-utils
sudo yum-config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Install Docker:

sudo yum install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y

Step 3: Start and Enable Docker#

After installation, start the Docker service and ensure it runs on startup:

sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

Verify that Docker is running:

sudo systemctl status docker

Step 4: Test Docker Installation#

Run the following command to verify Docker is working correctly:

sudo docker run hello-world

If Docker is installed correctly, you will see a message indicating that the installation is successful.

Basic Docker Commands#

Here are some essential Docker commands to get you started:

Check Docker version:
```
docker --version
```
List running containers:
```
docker ps
```
List all containers:
```
docker ps -a
```
Pull an image:
```
docker pull [image_name]
```
Stop a container:
```
docker stop [container_id]
```
Remove a container:
```
docker rm [container_id]
```

FAQs#

What are the system requirements for installing Docker on Linux? Docker requires a 64-bit OS, a kernel version of 3.10 or higher, and root or sudo access.
How do I verify that Docker is running on my Linux system? Use the command sudo systemctl status docker or run sudo docker run hello-world to ensure Docker is working correctly.
Can I install Docker on all Linux distributions? Docker supports most major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, and more. Check the official Docker documentation for compatibility.

Conclusion#

Installing and using Docker on Linux is a straightforward process that unlocks powerful capabilities for developers and system administrators. Whether you’re managing applications or building CI/CD pipelines, Docker offers unmatched efficiency and scalability.