How to install docker on Ubuntu

If you're new to Linux or servers and want to run applications in containers, Docker is one of the best tools out there. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install Docker on Ubuntu step-by-step — no advanced knowledge required.

What is Docker?

Docker lets you run apps in "containers", which are like mini virtual machines, but faster and lighter. It’s great for developers, sysadmins, and anyone managing software on servers.

What You’ll Need

• A computer or VPS running Ubuntu 22.04 (or 20.04)
• Access to the terminal (either directly or via SSH)
• A user with sudo privileges (admin rights)

If you need an virtual server for Docker, check out nanohost.org. We offer fast and reliable servers starting at $8/month.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Update your system.

Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This makes sure everything is up to date.

2. Install required packages

You will needa a few extra tools to install Docker properly. Run:

sudo apt install ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release -y

3. Install Docker

Now for the main event:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh && sh get-docker.sh

Docker should start automatically. You can check with:

sudo systemctl status docker

4. Test if Docker works

Run the classic test:

docker run hello-world

You should see a message saying Docker is working.

You're Done!

Docker is now installed on your Ubuntu machine. You can start pulling and running containers from Docker Hub.

Bonus: Most common commands

docker pull ubuntu           # Download an Ubuntu image
docker run -it ubuntu bash  # Run Ubuntu container with interactive shell
docker ps                   # Show running containers
docker stop             # Stop a container
docker rm               # Remove a container

Summary

Installing Docker on Ubuntu is easier than it seems. Whether you're building apps, learning DevOps, or just exploring containers, Docker is an essential tool.