Installing Docker

Installing on Linux

Docker is available on most Linux distributions, for more details of how to install for your distribution, visit https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/

Once installed, you might need to add the current user to the docker user group, so that you don't need to prefix sudo before every command:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Installing Docker Desktop on macOS

Recommended for: Local development, learning, cross-platform support.

Requirements:

• macOS 12+ (Monterey or later)
• Apple Silicon (M1/M2) and Intel are supported

Installation:

1. Visit: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop
2. Download the macOS installer (choose Intel or Apple chip).
3. Open the .dmg file and drag Docker to Applications.
4. Launch Docker Desktop and complete installation.
5. Docker CLI is now available via terminal.

Installing Docker Desktop on Windows

Recommended for: Windows developers using WSL2 or Hyper-V.

Requirements:

• Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Build 19044+)
• OR Windows 11 (Home edition works with WSL2)
• WSL 2 backend or Hyper-V

Installation Steps:

Install WSL2 (if not already installed):

wsl --install

Install Docker Desktop:

• Download from: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop
• Run the installer.
• Choose WSL2 backend when prompted.
• Reboot if required.
• Start Docker Desktop and it will launch the background VM and Docker Engine.

Verify Installation on All Platforms

To confirm Docker is working:

docker --versiondocker infodocker run hello-world