How to Create Docker on Linux Server: Step-by-Step Setup & Configuration

Docker is one of the most popular containerization platforms that allows developers and system administrators to package applications and their dependencies into lightweight containers. Unlike traditional virtualization, Docker containers run directly on the Linux kernel, making them highly efficient and portable. With its flexibility, you can easily create Docker containers to build, test, and deploy applications seamlessly across different environments.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up Docker on a Linux server. You’ll learn the step-by-step installation process, configuration essentials, how to manage Docker services, create Docker containers, apply security best practices, and troubleshoot common issues that arise during usage.

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker on your Linux server, it’s important to have the right setup in place. These prerequisites ensure smooth installation and reduce the chances of errors.

• A Linux server (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, RHEL, or Fedora)
• A user account with sudo privileges
• A stable internet connection
• Familiarity with basic Linux commands
• Minimum of 2 GB RAM and sufficient disk space for containers

Install Docker on Linux

Installing Docker is simple, but following the correct procedure ensures your server is ready for production workloads. Let’s go through the installation steps on popular Linux distributions.

• Updating the System

Start by updating the package list and upgrading existing packages to their latest versions.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y    # Ubuntu/Debian  
sudo yum update -y                        # CentOS/RHEL  

• Installing Required Dependencies

Before installing Docker, install essential packages that allow apt or yum to use repositories over HTTPS.

sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common -y

• Adding Docker Repository

Add the official Docker repository to your Linux system to ensure you’re installing the latest version.

For Ubuntu/Debian:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add -  
sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"  

For CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum install -y yum-utils  
sudo yum-config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo  

• Installing Docker Engine

Now, install Docker on your system.

sudo apt install docker-ce -y   # Ubuntu/Debian  
sudo yum install docker-ce -y   # CentOS/RHEL  

• Starting and Enabling Docker Service

After installation, start Docker and enable it to run on boot.

sudo systemctl start docker  
sudo systemctl enable docker  

• Verifying Docker Installation

Check if Docker is running correctly by executing:

docker --version  
sudo docker run hello-world  

If successful, you’ll see a test message confirming Docker is installed.

Configuring Docker on Linux

Once Docker is installed, configuring it properly ensures better usability and security.

• Running Docker Without Sudo

By default, Docker requires root privileges. Add your user to the Docker group to run commands without sudo.

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER 

Log out and back in to apply changes.

• Managing Docker Storage

Docker stores images and containers in /var/lib/docker by default. Configure storage drivers or change directory paths if needed to optimize performance.

• Configuring Docker Daemon

Edit the configuration file at /etc/docker/daemon.json to customize options like registry mirrors, logging, and networking. After changes, restart Docker:

sudo systemctl restart docker  

Securing Docker on Linux

Security is critical when deploying containers in production. Proper practices reduce risks of exploitation and unauthorized access.

• Use the Latest Docker Version: Always keep Docker updated.
• Enable User Namespaces: Isolate containers from the root user.
• Use Docker Bench Security Tool: Automates security checks.
• Restrict Container Privileges: Avoid running containers with --privileged mode unless necessary.
• Use Trusted Images Only: Pull images from official or verified repositories.
• Enable Firewall Rules: Restrict exposed ports and configure iptables rules.

By applying these measures, you ensure your Docker environment remains resilient against attacks.

Managing Docker Services on Linux

Efficient Docker usage requires familiarity with basic management commands. These ensure the smooth operation of containers and services.

• Start Docker Service

sudo systemctl start docker  

• Stop Docker Service

sudo systemctl stop docker  

• Restart Docker Service

sudo systemctl restart docker  

• Check Service Status

sudo systemctl status docker  

• Enable Docker at Boot

sudo systemctl enable docker  

Common Issues and Fixes

Docker may sometimes face issues during setup or execution. Knowing common problems and their fixes helps in quick troubleshooting.

• Docker Command Requires Sudo
  • Add user to Docker group.
  • Log out and back in.
• Docker Service Not Starting
  • Check logs with journalctl -u docker.
  • Ensure storage drivers are properly configured.
• Network Connectivity Problems
  • Restart the Docker daemon.
  • Verify firewall rules.
• Image Pull Fails
  • Check internet connectivity.
  • Ensure you’re using the correct image name and registry.

By addressing these errors, you can fix Docker issues in Linux and keep containers running smoothly.

FAQs: Create Docker on Linux Server

How do I create Docker on a Linux server?

To create Docker on a Linux server, install Docker Engine, start the Docker service, and configure user permissions. Once set up, you can build and run containers for your applications.

What are the system requirements to create Docker on Linux?

Docker requires a 64-bit Linux system with a recent kernel version, sufficient CPU, memory, and storage. Popular distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian support Docker installation and container management.

How can I secure Docker on a Linux server?

To secure Docker, use non-root users, enable firewall rules, restrict container privileges, and keep Docker updated. Regular monitoring and applying security best practices help protect your server and containers from threats.

Conclusion

Docker has revolutionized the way applications are deployed and managed on Linux servers. In this guide, we covered everything from installing Docker to configuring the daemon, applying security best practices, managing services, and fixing common issues.

By following these steps, you can create a stable, secure, and efficient Docker environment on your Linux server. This foundation allows you to build, deploy, and scale applications reliably using the power of containers. For more, visit the official Docker documentation.