Install Docker on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Docker has revolutionized the way applications are developed, deployed, and managed, becoming an essential tool for software developers and system administrators alike. If you’re new to Docker and want to learn how to install it on your Ubuntu system, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Prerequisites:

• An Ubuntu system with root or sudo privileges
• An internet connection

Step 1: Install the Required Packages

Before installing Docker, you need to ensure that your system has the necessary packages to support it. Use the following command to update your package list and install the required dependencies:

Bash

sudo apt update && sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg2 software-properties-common

Step 2: Add the Docker Repository

Once the dependencies are installed, add the Docker repository to your system’s package sources:

Bash

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

Add the Docker repository to your /etc/apt/sources.list file:

Bash

echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu focal stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list

Step 3: Update the Package List and Install Docker

Update the package list again to include the Docker repository:

Bash

sudo apt update

Finally, install the Docker Engine, CLI, and containerd packages:

Bash

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

Step 4: Verify Docker Installation

To confirm that Docker is installed correctly, run the following command:

Bash

sudo docker run hello-world

This should output the message “Hello from Docker!” indicating that Docker is working properly.

Step 5: Add the Current User to the Docker Group (Optional)

By default, Docker commands require root privileges. To run Docker commands without sudo, add your current user to the docker group:

Bash

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Log out and log back in to apply the changes.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Docker on your Ubuntu system. You can now start exploring the vast world of containerized applications and unleash the power of Docker for your software development and deployment needs.