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🛳️ Docker Series: Episode 2 — Installing Docker Without Crying (Cross-Platform Setup Guide)


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Yash Sonawane

🎬 “You’ve decided to board the Docker ship — now let’s make sure your machine is ready to sail. Don’t worry, this won’t hurt. I’ve got snacks, screenshots, and sanity-saving tips.”

💻 What We’ll Do in This Episode

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

  • Know how to install Docker on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Run your first container (yes, already!)
  • Troubleshoot common issues without breaking your screen 🧘‍♂

🪟 Installing Docker on Windows

✅ Requirements

  • Windows 10/11 (Pro, Enterprise, or Education) with WSL 2 enabled
  • 4 GB+ RAM recommended

📦 Steps

  1. Download Docker Desktop: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
  2. Install and follow the prompts (it may ask for WSL 2 install — allow it)
  3. Reboot your system (seriously, don’t skip this)

✅ Check it works: 

docker --version
docker run hello-world

You should see: Hello from Docker!

❗Troubleshooting:

  • Enable virtualization in BIOS
  • Make sure WSL 2 is installed & default: wsl --set-default-version 2
  • Docker stuck on starting? Restart system + Docker Desktop

🍏 Installing Docker on macOS

✅ Requirements

  • macOS 11+ with Apple Silicon or Intel
  • 4 GB+ RAM

📦 Steps

  1. Download Docker Desktop for Mac: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
  2. Drag & drop into Applications folder
  3. Launch Docker, accept permissions

✅ Check it works: 

docker --version
docker run hello-world

🐧 Installing Docker on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

📦 Terminal Commands: 

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ca-certificates curl gnupg

sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | \
  sudo gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

echo \
  "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg] \
  https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | \
  sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

✅ Restart your system or log out/in.

✅ Test It: 

docker run hello-world

🎉 First Container = First Win

Let’s make it official. Run this command:

docker run hello-world

If you see:

Hello from Docker!
This message shows that your installation appears to be working correctly.

You, my friend, have just run your first Docker container. 🥳

🧠 What Just Happened?

That hello-world container:

  • Pulled an image from Docker Hub (like a recipe)
  • Ran it in a container (like a tiny virtual kitchen)
  • Displayed a success message

You didn’t install dependencies, configs, or anything messy.
Welcome to the clean world of containers!

🚀 What’s Next?

In Episode 3, we’ll unpack:

  • The difference between Docker images vs containers
  • Docker Hub = GitHub for containers
  • How it all works behind the scenes

💬 Let’s Talk

Did your Docker installation go smoothly?
Drop a comment below if:

  • You hit any error (I’ll help debug!)
  • You successfully ran your first container (flex it 💪)

If this episode helped you:
Leave a ❤, comment, or share it with a fellow learner.

🎬 Next: “Images vs Containers — Explained with Tiffin Boxes & Chai”


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Yash Sonawane