How to Install and Use Docker on Ubuntu for 2025

How to Install and Use Docker on Ubuntu for 2025: A Full Tutorial

In the world of software development, Docker has emerged as one of the most popular and crucial applications. This platform-as-a-service product allows you to deploy, run, and manage applications using containerization.

Docker's ease of use and the flexibility of its environment make it an excellent tool for developers. Running applications inside containers brings numerous benefits, including enhanced security, scalability, and system utilization. But how can you install and use Docker on an Ubuntu operating system? This comprehensive guide for 2025 will help you understand the process step by step.

What is Docker?

Docker is an open-source platform that allows developers to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of applications. It uses OS-level virtualization, also known as containerization, to package the application and its dependencies into a single standardized unit for software development.

Installing Docker on Ubuntu

The first part of our tutorial is about installing Docker on your Ubuntu system. It's a straightforward process that we'll walk you through:

Step 1: Update your System

Ensure that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date by executing the following command:

sudo apt-get update

Step 2: Install Docker

Installing Docker on Ubuntu is simple. Just enter the following command:

sudo apt-get install docker.io

Check the Docker version after installation to ensure it has been correctly installed:

sudo docker --version

Configuring Docker

You need to configure Docker after installing it. We provide the relevant steps below:

Step 1: Start and Automate Docker

To start the Docker process, use the following command:

sudo systemctl start docker

To ensure Docker starts on boot, use the following command:

sudo systemctl enable docker

Using Docker

Now that you have installed and configured Docker, learn how to use it. Herein is an overview of the critical steps:

Step 1: Run a Docker Container

Running a Docker container is simple. Here's how:

sudo docker run hello-world

This command downloads a test image and runs it in a container. When the container runs, it prints an informational message and exits.

Step 2: Interact with the Docker Container

You can interact with your Docker container by launching an interactive bash shell. Use the following command:

sudo docker run -it ubuntu bash

Here, the Docker terminal will be inside the required Docker container. You can execute any Linux command inside the Docker container.

Step 3: List Docker Containers

To list all your running Docker containers, run the following command:

sudo docker ps

Docker has become an instrumental tool for developers and system administrators. With the rise of microservices and DevOps, Docker's demand and prevalence are set to increase even more.

We hope that our comprehensive guide proves helpful in your journey in deploying Docker on Ubuntu for 2025.