How To Install Docker Desktop on AlmaLinux 9

Docker has revolutionized the way developers build, package, and deploy applications in modern software development. As a powerful containerization platform, Docker enables efficient and consistent deployment across various environments. AlmaLinux 9, a stable and community-driven Linux distribution, provides an excellent foundation for running Docker containers. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing Docker Desktop on AlmaLinux 9, empowering you to leverage the benefits of containerization in your development workflow.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following prerequisites:

• A running instance of AlmaLinux 9
• Sudo or root privileges on the system
• An active internet connection
• 64-bit kernel and virtualization support

Verifying these prerequisites will ensure a smooth installation experience.

Update Your System

To maintain a secure and up-to-date system, it’s crucial to update your AlmaLinux 9 instance before proceeding with the Docker Desktop installation. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo dnf update -y

This command will update all the installed packages to their latest versions, ensuring compatibility and security.

Add Docker Repository

AlmaLinux 9 does not include Docker in its default repository. To install Docker Desktop, we need to add the official Docker repository to our system. Follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal and execute the following command to add the Docker repository:

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

This command adds the Docker CE (Community Edition) repository to your AlmaLinux 9 system, enabling access to the latest Docker packages.

2. Once the repository is added, update the package cache to reflect the newly added repository:

sudo dnf update

This step ensures that your system is aware of the Docker packages available in the added repository.

Install Docker Engine

With the Docker repository added, we can now proceed to install the Docker Engine on AlmaLinux 9. The Docker Engine is the core component that enables the execution of Docker containers. To install it, follow these steps:

1. In the terminal, run the following command to install the Docker Engine and its dependencies:

sudo dnf install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

This command installs the latest stable version of Docker CE, along with the command-line interface (CLI) and containerd.io, which is a container runtime used by Docker.

2. Once the installation is complete, start the Docker service and enable it to start automatically on system boot:

sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

These commands start the Docker service and configure it to start automatically whenever your AlmaLinux 9 system boots up.

Install Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing Docker containers, images, and networks. It offers additional features and tools that enhance the Docker experience. To install Docker Desktop on AlmaLinux 9, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Docker Desktop download page in your web browser:
2. Click on the “Download for Linux” button to download the Docker Desktop package for AlmaLinux 9.
3. Once the download is complete, open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the package was downloaded.
4. Install Docker Desktop using the following command:

sudo dnf install docker-desktop-<version>.x86_64.rpm

Replace <version> with the actual version number of the downloaded package.

5. After the installation is complete, launch Docker Desktop from the applications menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

docker-desktop

Docker Desktop will start, and you will see its user interface, providing a graphical way to manage your Docker containers and resources.

Post-Installation Steps

To verify that Docker is installed correctly and functioning as expected, you can run a simple test command. Open a terminal and execute the following:

sudo docker run hello-world

This command will download a small Docker image and run it as a container. If the installation is successful, you should see a message confirming that Docker is working correctly.

To ensure that Docker starts automatically on system boot, run the following command:

sudo systemctl enable docker

This command enables the Docker service to start automatically whenever your AlmaLinux 9 system boots up.

Basic Docker Commands

Now that you have Docker Desktop installed on your AlmaLinux 9 system, let’s explore some basic Docker commands to get you started:

• docker run: Runs a new container from a specified image.
• docker ps: Lists all running containers.
• docker stop: Stops a running container.
• docker rm: Removes a stopped container.
• docker images: Lists all available Docker images on your system.

These are just a few examples of the many Docker commands available. As you explore Docker further, you’ll discover a wide range of commands and options that enable you to manage containers, networks, volumes, and more.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation process or while using Docker Desktop on AlmaLinux 9, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure that your system meets the prerequisites mentioned earlier.
• Double-check that you have followed the installation steps accurately.
• If you face permission-related issues, make sure you are running Docker commands with sudo or as a user with appropriate privileges.
• Consult the official Docker documentation and community forums for specific error messages or issues you may encounter.

Remember, troubleshooting is an essential part of the learning process, and the Docker community is known for its helpful and supportive nature.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Docker Desktop. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of Docker Desktop on AlmaLinux 9. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Docker website.