Install Docker on Ubuntu & Run Containers

If you want to install Docker on Ubuntu and start using it, follow these steps.

Step 1: Update System Packages

First, update the package list to ensure you're installing the latest versions:

sh
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Install some dependencies that help Docker work correctly:

sh
sudo apt install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg

Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key

sh
sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyringscurl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo tee /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg > /dev/nullsudo chmod a+r /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

Step 4: Add Docker Repository

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

Now, update the package list again:

sh
sudo apt update

Step 5: Install Docker Engine

sh
sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-buildx-plugin docker-compose-plugin

Step 6: Start & Enable Docker Service

sh
sudo systemctl start dockersudo systemctl enable docker

Step 7: Verify Docker Installation

Check the installed version:

sh
docker --version

Run a test container to confirm Docker is working:

sh
sudo docker run hello-world

(Optional) Step 8: Run Docker Without sudo

By default, Docker requires sudo to run. If you want to run it as a regular user:

sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Then, restart your system:

sh
reboot

After rebooting, check if Docker runs without sudo:

sh
docker ps

Step 9: Install Docker Compose (Optional)

To install Docker Compose, run:

sh
sudo apt install -y docker-compose-plugin

Verify installation:

sh
docker compose version

🎯 Summary

✅ Installed Docker
✅ Enabled Docker Service
✅ Tested Docker with hello-world
✅ (Optional) Added User to Docker Group
✅ (Optional) Installed Docker Compose