How to Install Docker on Ubuntu?

Docker has revolutionized the way applications are developed, deployed, and run by providing a lightweight, portable, and scalable containerization platform. If you're an Ubuntu user looking to harness the power of Docker, you're in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of installing Docker on your Ubuntu system, enabling you to efficiently manage and deploy applications in containers.

Prerequisites:
Before diving into the installation process, make sure you have access to a terminal on your Ubuntu system with administrative privileges.

Step 1: Update Package Lists:
Begin by updating the local package index to ensure you have the latest information about available packages. Open the terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Prerequisites:
Docker requires a few packages to be installed before it can run smoothly. Install these prerequisites using the following command:

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

Step 3: Add Docker GPG Key:
To ensure the authenticity of the Docker packages, add the Docker GPG key to the system. Execute the following command:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

Step 4: Set Up Docker Repository:
Now, add the Docker repository to the system's software sources:

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

Step 5: Install Docker Engine:
With the repository set up, install the Docker engine using the following commands:

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

Step 6: Verify Docker Installation:
Confirm that Docker has been successfully installed by running a simple test:

sudo docker run hello-world

If everything is set up correctly, you'll see a message indicating that your Docker installation is working.

Additional Examples:

• Pulling a Docker Image:
  To pull a Docker image, use the following command (replace "image_name" with the actual image name):

  sudo docker pull image_name
  

• Running a Docker Container:
  Start a container based on a pulled image with the following command:

  sudo docker run image_name
  

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Docker on your Ubuntu system. With Docker, you can now easily containerize and manage your applications, providing a more efficient and consistent deployment process. Feel free to explore additional Docker commands and features to enhance your containerization experience.