How to Install and Use Docker on Ubuntu - Beginner's Guide

How to Install and Use Docker on Ubuntu – Beginner’s Guide

Docker is an open-source application that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of applications using containerization.
Docker grants developers the ability to package applications with all requisite parts such as libraries and other dependencies and ship them out as one package.
On the other hand, Ubuntu is among the leading platforms with a somewhat gigantic user base. Hence, installing Docker on Ubuntu unlocks myriad benefits.

This beginner guide will step you through the tutorial on how to install Docker on Ubuntu and how to utilize it effectively.

Prerequisites

Before the installation process, ensure your Ubuntu system is updated:

In the Terminal, input the following commands:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Installation of Docker on Ubuntu

To begin the installation process, add the GPG key for the official docker repository:

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

Next, add the Docker repository to APT sources:

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

Update the package database again:

sudo apt-get update

Lastly, install Docker:

sudo apt-get install docker-ce

To validate if Docker has been installed correctly, type:

sudo systemctl status docker

The output should show docker service is active and running.

Using Docker

Here's a simple overview of some popular Docker commands:

docker pull: This command allows you to download Docker images from the Docker hub.

docker run: This command lets you create a new container and run a command in it.

docker ps: This command lists all Docker containers.

docker stop: This command allows you to stop a Docker container.

Let's try it out with an example:

To download the ubuntu image from the docker hub:

docker pull ubuntu

To list available docker images:

docker images

To run the container:

docker run -it ubuntu

Conclusion

Mastering Docker is an advantageous skill because it permits you to efficiently manage your applications and services.
This guide has provided a comprehensive approach to installing Docker on an Ubuntu system and has covered essential Docker commands.

Understanding these basic commands is an excellent foundation for venturing deeper into the practical part and even to more advanced Docker usage. Keep exploring and make the maximum out of Docker on Ubuntu!