Docker has revolutionized the way applications are deployed and run by utilizing containerization technology. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Docker on AlmaLinux 8, enabling you to create, deploy, and manage your applications efficiently and securely. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or IT professional, Docker can greatly simplify your workflow and enhance productivity.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s ensure that our system is up to date. Open your terminal and run the following command to check for any pending system updates:

yum update

Adding Docker Repository

To install Docker on AlmaLinux 8, we need to enable the Docker CE repository. Execute the following command to add the repository:

dnf config-manager --add-repo=https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Installing Docker-ce Package

Once the repository is added, we can proceed with installing the Docker-ce package. Run the following command to install Docker-ce on AlmaLinux 8:

dnf -y install docker-ce --nobest

Enabling the Docker Service

After successfully installing Docker-ce, we need to enable the Docker service to ensure it starts automatically on system boot. Execute the following command to enable and start the Docker service:

systemctl enable --now docker

Verifying the Docker Service

To confirm that Docker is running properly, we can use the systemctl command to check the status of the Docker service:

systemctl status docker

If Docker is active and running, you should see an output similar to the following:

● docker.service - Docker Application Container Engine
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/docker.service; enabled; vendor pres>
Active: active (running) since Thu 2021-03-18 15:10:09 GMT; 25s ago
Docs: https://docs.docker.com
Main PID: 7649 (dockerd)
Tasks: 9
Memory: 44.3M
CGroup: /system.slice/docker.service
└─7649 /usr/bin/dockerd -H fd:// --containerd=/run/containerd/contai>

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and verified Docker on AlmaLinux 8. Now, let’s explore some common Docker commands and get started with containerizing your applications.

Common Docker Commands

Docker provides a robust command-line interface for managing containers and images. Here are some frequently used commands to help you get started:

1. Pulling an Image

To create a container, you need an image. Docker Hub is a popular registry that hosts a wide range of pre-built images. You can pull an image from Docker Hub using the docker pull command. For example, to pull the Ubuntu image, run the following command:

docker pull ubuntu

2. Running a Container

Once you have an image, you can create a container using the docker run command. For instance, to run a container from the Ubuntu image, execute the following command:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash

This command starts an interactive session inside the container, allowing you to execute commands and explore the container’s environment.

3. Listing Containers

To view a list of running containers, use the docker ps command. This command displays information such as the container ID, image used, status, and more. Running the command without any options will show only the running containers. To view all containers, including the ones that are not currently running, add the -a flag:

docker ps -a

4. Stopping a Container

To stop a running container, you can use the docker stop command followed by the container ID or name. For example, to stop a container with the ID abcdef123456, run the following command:

docker stop abcdef123456

5. Removing a Container

If you no longer need a container, you can remove it using the docker rm command. This command accepts either the container ID or name as an argument. For instance, to remove a container with the ID abcdef123456, execute the following command:

docker rm abcdef123456

6. Listing Images

To view the list of Docker images available on your system, you can use the docker images command. This command displays information such as the image ID, repository, tag, and size.

docker images

7. Removing an Image

If you wish to remove an image from your system, use the docker rmi command followed by the image ID or name. For example, to remove an image with the ID abcdef123456, run the following command:

docker rmi abcdef123456

These are just a few fundamental commands to get you started with Docker. As you become more comfortable with Docker, you’ll discover numerous other commands and options to streamline your container workflow.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Docker on AlmaLinux 8 and familiarized yourself with some essential Docker commands. With Docker, you can now create, deploy, and manage your applications in a lightweight and efficient manner. Whether you’re working on a small project or a large-scale production environment, Docker provides the tools you need to simplify the deployment process and improve scalability.

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Christian Wells