Introduction to Docker

Published on Oct 28, 2019 by Mukesh Kumar

Docker is a platform for packaging, deploying, and running applications. Docker applications run in containers that can be used on any systemn for example a developers laptop, on premises system, or in the cloud.

Docker is a containerization system that enables developers and teams to handle application deployment and scaling in a much easier way.

Today most of the sofatware companies using virtual machines to deploy and run applications. Virtual machines run application inside a guest operating system which again runs on hardware that is virtualized based on the server operating system.

VM’s package the virtual hardware & the kernel and there is always a computational overhead cost involved in virtualizing the hardware. With Docker, there is no need for extra hardware for the guest operating system. All apps run as Docker containers.

Docker Containers contain binaries, libraries, and configuration files along with the application itself.They don’t contain a guest OS for each container and rely on the underlying OS kernel, which makes the containers lightweight.

Docker containers are quick to start than the VM’s as it does not contain a guest operating system. In short, Docker containers run on a single machine and virtualize the operating system while VM’s virtualize the hardware.

• Docker Machine
• Docker Engine
• Docker Compose
• Oracle VirtualBox
• Kinematic
• Docker Quickstart Terminal App

Prerequisites to install Docker Tool Box

Your Windows system must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 64-bit Windows 7 (or higher)
• Virtualization enabled

Before installation make sure your Windows system supports Hardware Virtualization Technology and virtualization is enabled. You can validate it by Choosing Start > Task Manager and navigate to the Performance tab. Under CPU you should see the virtualization status as enabled as shown below.

NOTE: If virtualization is not enabled in your machine, please check how to enable it in your BIOS by following your manufacturer’s instructions.

Install Docker Toolbox

Once the system requirements have been verified, download the installer from the Docker website.

Docker Toolbox will install the following applications:

• Docker Client for Windows
• Docker Toolbox management tool and ISO
• Oracle VirtualBox
• Git MSYS-git UNIX tools

IMPORTANT: If you have VirtualBox installed and running, please shut down it before the installation begins.

Open the installer by double-clicking the .exe file. Choose "Yes" in the Windows security dialog box to allow the program to make changes to your PC.

Choose the installation directory and Click on "Next" button.

Check the components to be installed if "Git for Windows" and "VirtualBox" is already installed then uncheck it and Click "Next" button.

Accept all default options and click the "Next" button.

Verify that all selected components will be installed and Click on "Back" button to change any settings.

Click the "Install" button to finish the installation.

After all the components are installed, the wizard will notify that installation was successful. Uncheck "View Shortcuts in File Explorer" and click "Finish".

Verify The Installation

After successful installation you can see below three icons on desktop.

Launch the Docker Quickstart Terminal by clicking on the Docker quick Start icon. This starts the creation of the Docker machine and all its components.

Check the version of installed Docker using docker version command

Type the following command and press Enter:

Docker will download and run the "hello world" container. A confirmation message will be displayed in the terminal.

This indicates that your Docker installation is successful.

Quick Tip for Windows 10 : Use 192.168.99.100 in URL instead of localhost.If you are using Window 10 and are using docker toolbox => Use 192.168.99.100 instead of localhost. Note: If 192.168.99.100 does not work, you can find the IP by using the command docker-machine ip

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