Installing Docker Engine

Docker has emerged as a game-changer for software developers, system administrators, and DevOps enthusiasts. Its containerization technology ensures that applications run uniformly across different platforms. In this article, we’ll guide you through the installation of the Docker Engine on several platforms.

What is Docker Engine?

Docker Engine is the core component of the Docker platform. It is responsible for building and running Docker containers. The Docker Engine comprises the server (long-running daemon process), REST API (specifies how to interact with the daemon) and CLI (command-line interface).

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Installation Guidelines

1. Docker Engine on Ubuntu:

Follow these steps to install Docker Engine on Ubuntu:

1. Update your system:

   sudo apt-get update 
   

2. Install required dependencies:

   sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common 
   

3. Add Docker’s official GPG key:

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

4. Set up the Docker stable repository:

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

5. Install Docker Engine:

   sudo apt-get update 
   sudo apt-get install docker-ce 
   

6. Start and enable Docker service:

   sudo systemctl start docker 
   sudo systemctl enable docker 
   

2. Docker Engine on CentOS:

For CentOS, the steps are similar, with slight variations:

1. Update your system:

   sudo yum update 
   

2. Install required dependencies:

   sudo yum install -y yum-utils device-mapper-persistent-data lvm2 
   

3. Set up the Docker stable repository:

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

4. Install Docker Engine:

   sudo yum install docker-ce 
   

5. Start and enable Docker service:

   sudo systemctl start docker 
   sudo systemctl enable docker 
   

3. Docker Engine on Windows:

1. Ensure your Windows edition supports Docker: Docker for Windows requires 64-bit Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
2. Enable Hyper-V: Docker for Windows requires Hyper-V. Ensure it’s enabled on your system.
3. Download Docker for Windows: Navigate to the Docker official website and download Docker Desktop for Windows.
4. Run the installer: Execute the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Verify installation: Once installed, you should see the Docker icon in your system tray. Right-click on it to access Docker settings and features.

4. Docker Engine on macOS:

1. Check compatibility: Ensure your macOS version is compatible. Generally, Docker supports the latest macOS versions.
2. Download Docker for Mac: Navigate to the Docker official website and download Docker Desktop for Mac.
3. Drag and Drop: Once downloaded, open the installer and drag the Docker application to your Applications folder.
4. Verify installation: You should find the Docker icon in your application tray. Click on it to open the Docker Dashboard.

Post-Installation Steps

Regardless of the platform, after installing Docker, it’s a good idea to:

1. Test Docker installation: Run the classic Hello-World test:

   docker run hello-world 
   

2. Manage Docker as a non-root user: To avoid using sudo with Docker commands, add your user to the docker group:

   sudo usermod -aG docker $USER 
   

Remember, for certain platforms and versions, steps might slightly differ. It’s always a good idea to refer to the official Docker documentation for any specific queries.

Conclusion

Docker Engine is an essential tool for modern software development, testing, and deployment. By following the above guidelines, you can set up Docker on your system and explore the world of containerization. Whether you’re using Ubuntu, CentOS, Windows, or macOS, Docker can seamlessly integrate into your workflow, offering vast benefits in the process.