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example-projects/reference/docker/00_installing-docker.md

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Installing Docker

You only need this if your project leads you into Docker. Skip it otherwise.

There are two flavors of Docker install:

  • Docker Desktop — a graphical app for Mac and Windows that bundles the Docker engine, a small Linux VM, and a GUI. The easiest path on those platforms.
  • Docker Engine — the command-line daemon, no GUI. The standard way to install Docker on Linux.

Both run the same docker command. Pick whichever fits your OS.

Windows

  1. Go to https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/windows-install/
  2. Download Docker Desktop for Windows.
  3. Run the installer. Note if they ask for your email, you can just skip that part, it isn't necessary.
  4. When asked, leave "Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V" checked (this is the modern, recommended backend).
  5. Restart your machine when prompted.
  6. Launch Docker Desktop from the Start menu. The first launch takes a minute as it sets up.

Verify in PowerShell or Command Prompt:

docker --version
docker compose version

You should see versions printed for both.

Note: Docker Desktop is free for personal use, students, education, and small businesses. Read the license terms if you'll use it at a larger company — they may require a paid subscription. On Linux you don't need Docker Desktop at all.

Mac

  1. Go to https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/mac-install/
  2. Download the version for your chip — Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) or Intel. If you're not sure: click the Apple menu → About This Mac. If it says "Apple M…" pick Apple Silicon.
  3. Open the .dmg and drag Docker to your Applications folder.
  4. Launch Docker from Applications. Grant the permissions it asks for. You'll see a whale icon in your menu bar when it's running.

Verify in Terminal:

docker --version
docker compose version

Linux

On Linux you install the engine directly — no Desktop app required.

The cleanest path is the official convenience script, which handles all major distros:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

Then add your user to the docker group so you don't have to sudo every command:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Log out and log back in for that group change to take effect.

Verify:

docker --version
docker compose version
docker run hello-world

If you'd rather use your distribution's package manager directly, the official instructions live at https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/ — pick your distro from the sidebar.

A note on docker compose vs docker-compose

  • docker compose (two words, a space) is the modern V2 plugin. Use this.
  • docker-compose (one word, a hyphen) is the legacy V1 tool. Older tutorials use it. The commands are nearly identical. If you see docker-compose up somewhere, mentally translate it to docker compose up.

Modern Docker installs include the V2 plugin out of the box. You should not need to install docker-compose separately.

Did it work?

The classic smoke test. From any terminal:

docker run hello-world

You should see a friendly message ending with "Hello from Docker!". If you see that, you're done — head back to 01_what_is_docker.md.