How to Install Docker and Docker Compose on Ubuntu Linux
Docker and Docker Compose install on Ubuntu Linux by running commands in your terminal.
Docker is a tool that lets you package applications into containers. These containers are like small, self-contained boxes that make sure your app runs the same everywhere.
Docker Compose is a helper tool. It lets you easily set up and manage applications that use multiple Docker containers at once, which is great for development projects.
This guide shows you how to install Docker Engine version 23.0.6 and the Docker Compose plugin version 2.17.2 on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Having these specific versions gives you the newest features for running your container apps on Ubuntu.
Install Docker and Docker Compose on Ubuntu by first updating your package list and installing prerequisite packages. Add Docker’s official GPG key and repository, then install the docker-ce, docker-ce-cli, and containerd.io packages. Finally, install the Docker Compose plugin.
How to add Docker repository on Ubuntu Linux
Adding the official Docker repository to your Ubuntu system is the first step to install Docker on Ubuntu easily. This lets you get the latest updates automatically, keeping your Docker installation secure and up-to-date. We’ll be installing the community edition of Docker.
For this tutorial, we will install the community edition of Docker.
sudo apt update sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg-agent software-properties-common
Next, run the commands below to download and install Docker’s official GPG key. The key validates packages installed from Docker’s repository, ensuring they’re trusted.
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add - sudo apt-key fingerprint 0EBFCD88
You should see an output shown below:
Output:
pub rsa4096 2017-02-22 [SCEA]
9DC8 5822 9FC7 DD38 854A E2D8 8D81 803C 0EBF CD88
uid [ unknown] Docker Release (CE deb) <docker@docker.com>
sub rsa4096 2017-02-22 [S]Now that the official GPG key has been installed run the commands below to add its stable repository to Ubuntu. To add the nightly or test repository, add the word nightly or test (or both) after the word stable in the commands below.
sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"
At this point, Docker’s official GPG and repository should be installed on Ubuntu.
You can remove older Docker versions by running the commands below, which prevents conflicts with the new installation.
sudo apt remove docker docker-engine docker.io containerd runc
When you have removed all previous versions of Docker, run the commands below to install the latest and current stable version of Docker.
apt-cache madison docker-ce Output: docker-ce | 5:18.09.5~3-0~ubuntu-bionic | https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu bionic/stable amd64 Packages docker-ce | 5:18.09.4~3-0~ubuntu-bionic | https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu bionic/stable amd64 Packages docker-ce | 5:18.09.3~3-0~ubuntu-bionic | https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu bionic/stable amd64 Packages docker-ce | 5:18.09.2~3-0~ubuntu-bionic | https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu bionic/stable amd64 Packages .
Now, to install a specific version, run the commands below with the version you wish to install
sudo apt-get install docker-ce=5:18.09.5~3-0~ubuntu-bionic docker-ce-cli=5:18.09.5~3-0~ubuntu-bionic containerd.io
If you want the latest version without specifying the above, run the commands below. The command below will always install the highest possible version.
sudo apt update sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
That should install Docker software on Ubuntu.
Verify that Docker CE is installed correctly by running the hello-world image. Run the commands below:
sudo docker run hello-world
You should see a similar line below:
Output: Hello from Docker! This message shows that your installation appears to be working correctly.
The Docker is installed correctly!
How to install Docker Compose on Ubuntu Linux
You can install Docker Compose on Ubuntu Linux by downloading its file straight from GitHub. This method lets you get the latest version, so you can easily install Docker Compose on Ubuntu. We’ll run commands to download version 1.24.0, which is the current version.
To install Docker Compose version 1.24.0, you will run the commands below to download the software. This specific version, 1.24.0, is the current stable release as of the date this guide was written.
sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/1.24.0/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
To install a different version of Compose, substitute 1.24.0 with the version of Compose you want to use.
After downloading it, run the commands below to apply executable permissions to the binary file and create a symbolic link to /usr/binary
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose sudo ln -s /usr/local/bin/docker-compose /usr/bin/docker-compose
That should get Docker Compose working. To test, run the commands below:
docker-compose --version
You should see a similar output as below:
Output: docker-compose version 1.24.0, build 0aa59064
That should do it!
To run Docker as a non-root user, add your user account to Docker’s group by running the commands below:
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
Log out and back in, and you should be able to run Docker with your standard account.
Conclusion:
This article shows you how to install Docker and Docker Compose on Ubuntu Linux. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"'.”]Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
06/23/2020 – On your main page, and under Docker, you state:
“Docker software allows visualization at the operating system level..”
You mean “virtualization” not visualization, and there’s two periods at the end of that same sentence.
just sayin…