Complete Guide to Installing and Using Docker: Step-by-Step Instructions

# Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Installing and Using Docker

Docker is a powerful tool used for containerization, allowing developers to package applications with all their dependencies into a standardized unit. This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Docker, configuring it, and using it effectively.

## Installation Instructions:

1. Update the package index and install necessary dependencies:
“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common
“`

2. Add Docker’s official GPG key:
“`bash
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add –
“`

3. Add the Docker repository to APT sources:
“`bash
sudo add-apt-repository “deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable”
“`

4. Update the package index again and install Docker:
“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce
“`

5. Start and enable the Docker service:
“`bash
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker
“`

6. Verify the installation by checking the Docker version:
“`bash
docker –version
“`

## Configuration Instructions:

1. Add your user to the `docker` group to run Docker commands without sudo:
“`bash
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
“`

2. Log out and log back in to apply the group membership changes.

3. Test Docker installation by running a sample container:
“`bash
docker run hello-world
“`

## Usage Instructions:

1. Pull a Docker image from Docker Hub:
“`bash
docker pull nginx
“`

2. Run a Docker container based on the pulled image:
“`bash
docker run -d -p 80:80 nginx
“`

3. Access the Nginx web server running inside the container by opening a web browser and navigating to `http://localhost`.

4. View running containers:
“`bash
docker ps
“`

5. Stop a running container:
“`bash
docker stop
“`

6. Remove a container:
“`bash
docker rm
“`

7. Remove an image:
“`bash
docker rmi
“`

By following this comprehensive guide, you should now have Docker installed, configured, and be able to effectively use it to containerize your applications. Docker simplifies the process of software deployment and enhances the portability and scalability of your applications.