check if docker is installed

Docker is a vital tool for developers for creating, deploying, and running applications. This article provides an easy, step-by-step guide on how to check if Docker is installed on your machine.

Introduction

Docker is a popular platform used by developers to eliminate “it works on my machine” problems and develop efficiently. It is essential to check if Docker is installed to utilize containerization technology effectively.

Step 1: Open the Command Line

Docker commands are usually done through a command line. If you are using -

• Windows: Launch Command Prompt or Powershell.
• Mac: Open Terminal.
• Linux: Open Terminal or your distribution’s equivalent.

Step 2: Type Docker Version Command

Once you’ve opened your terminal, type this command:

docker --version

This is a simple command that prompts Docker to return its installed version.

##Step 3: Reading the Output

After entering the command, hit Enter. The resulting line of text shows if Docker is installed or not and returns the installed version of Docker. If Docker is installed, the terminal will display something similar to:

Docker version 20.10.5, build 55c4c88

This means Docker is properly installed and the current version is 20.10.5.

However, if Docker isn’t installed, you’ll receive an error message. Something along the lines of:

'Docker' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

Conclusion

With just one simple command, you can check whether Docker is installed on your machine or not. This command also provides information about which version of Docker is currently running on your system. If Docker isn’t on your system yet, there are plenty of online resources to guide you through the installation process.

Remember, Docker is a handy tool for developers, ensuring that everyone is working in the same environment and setting the stage for effective collaborations.