S01L02 – Docker and WSL on Windows

Mastering Docker Installation on Windows with WSL2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction ……………………………………………… 1
  2. Understanding Docker ……………………….. 3
  3. Downloading Docker ……………………………. 5
  4. Installing Docker on Windows ……….. 7
  5. Introduction to WSL2 ……………………….. 10
  6. Installing WSL2 on Windows …………. 12
  7. Setting Up Ubuntu Subsystem ……….. 15
  8. Integrating Docker with Visual Studio Code ………………………………………………….. 18
  9. Conclusion …………………………………………….. 21

Introduction

Welcome to “Mastering Docker Installation on Windows with WSL2: A Step-by-Step Guide.” In today’s rapidly evolving software development landscape, Docker has emerged as an indispensable tool for containerization, enabling developers to create, deploy, and run applications seamlessly across various environments. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive walkthrough for beginners and developers with basic knowledge, ensuring a hassle-free Docker setup on Windows using the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2).

Importance of Docker

Docker simplifies the deployment process by packaging applications and their dependencies into containers, ensuring consistency across multiple environments. Whether you’re developing locally or deploying to production, Docker ensures that your applications run reliably regardless of where they are executed.

Pros and Cons of Docker

Pros Cons
Consistent environment across platforms Learning curve for new users
Efficient resource utilization Potential security concerns
Simplified dependency management May require changes to existing workflows
Improved scalability and flexibility Performance overhead in some scenarios

When and Where to Use Docker

Docker is ideal for:

  • Development Environments: Streamlining setup processes.
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Automating testing and deployment.
  • Microservices Architecture: Managing individual services efficiently.
  • Cloud Deployments: Ensuring portability across different cloud providers.

Understanding Docker

What is Docker?

Docker is an open-source platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of applications within lightweight containers. Unlike traditional virtual machines, containers share the host system’s kernel, making them more efficient and faster to deploy.

Key Concepts and Terminology

  • Container: A lightweight, standalone executable package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software.
  • Image: A read-only template used to create containers. Images are built from a series of layers.
  • Dockerfile: A script containing a set of instructions to build a Docker image.
  • Docker Hub: A cloud-based repository where Docker images are stored and shared.

Downloading Docker

Accessing Docker Downloads

To get started with Docker, navigate to the official Docker website and download the appropriate installer based on your operating system.

Docker Versions for Different Operating Systems

  • Windows and Mac: User-friendly installers with graphical interfaces.
    • Mac Versions: Available for Intel chips and Apple Silicon.
  • Linux: Distribution-specific installation methods, primarily using terminal commands.
Operating System Download Link Installation Method
Windows Docker for Windows Installer executable
Mac (Intel) Docker for Mac Intel Installer executable
Mac (Apple Silicon) Docker for Mac Apple Chip Installer executable
Linux Varies by distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.) Terminal commands

Installing Docker on Windows

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker on Windows, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit: Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Build 1903 or later).
  • Hardware:
    • 4GB RAM minimum.
    • Virtualization must be enabled in the BIOS.

Installation Steps

  1. Download Docker Installer:
    Visit the Docker Desktop for Windows page and download the installer.
  2. Run the Installer:
    Locate the downloaded Docker Desktop Installer.exe file and execute it.
  3. Follow the Setup Wizard:
    • Accept the license agreement.
    • Choose installation options as needed.
    • The installer will set up Docker and WSL2 components.
  4. Start Docker Desktop:
    After installation, Docker Desktop will launch automatically. If it doesn’t, you can start it manually from the Start menu.
  5. Verify Installation:
    Open PowerShell and run the following command:

Expected Output:

Introduction to WSL2

What is WSL2?

The Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) is an upgrade over WSL1, offering significant performance improvements and full system call compatibility. This allows developers to run Linux binaries natively on Windows, bridging the gap between Windows and Linux development environments.

Benefits of Using WSL2 with Docker

  • Enhanced Performance: Faster file system operations and improved resource management.
  • Full Linux Kernel: Supports a broader range of applications and tools.
  • Seamless Integration: Easily switch between Windows and Linux environments.

Installing WSL2 on Windows

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
    Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
  2. Enable WSL:

  1. Enable Virtual Machine Feature:

  1. Restart Your Computer:
    A system reboot is required to apply the changes.
  2. Set WSL2 as the Default Version:
    After restarting, open PowerShell and run:

  1. Install the Linux Kernel Update Package:
    Download and install the WSL2 Linux kernel update package.

Verifying WSL2 Installation

Run the following command in PowerShell:

Expected Output:

Setting Up Ubuntu Subsystem

Installing Ubuntu from Microsoft Store

  1. Open Microsoft Store:
    Search for “Microsoft Store” in the Start menu and launch it.
  2. Search for Ubuntu:
    Use the search bar to find the Ubuntu distribution.
  3. Select and Install Ubuntu:
    Choose the desired Ubuntu version (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04) and click “Install.”
  4. Initialize Ubuntu:
    After installation, launch Ubuntu from the Start menu. You’ll be prompted to create a new user account.

Configuring Ubuntu for Docker

Once Ubuntu is installed, you can configure it to work seamlessly with Docker:

  1. Open Ubuntu Terminal:
    Launch the Ubuntu application from the Start menu.
  2. Update Package Lists:

  1. Install Docker Inside Ubuntu (Optional):
    While Docker Desktop integrates with WSL2, you can also install Docker directly inside the Ubuntu subsystem if needed.

Integrating Docker with Visual Studio Code

Setting Up Visual Studio Code for Docker

  1. Install Visual Studio Code:
    Download and install Visual Studio Code.
  2. Install Docker Extension:
    • Open Visual Studio Code.
    • Navigate to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
    • Search for “Docker” and install the official Docker extension by Microsoft.

Using Docker with WSL2 in VS Code

  1. Open a Project in VS Code:
    Use the File > Open Folder option to open your project directory.
  2. Accessing the Terminal:
    • Open the integrated terminal using Ctrl+Shift+`.
    • By default, it opens PowerShell. Use the dropdown to switch to “Ubuntu 22.04 WSL.”
  3. Running Docker Commands:

Sample Output:

Sample Dockerfile and Explanation

Create a simple Dockerfile to demonstrate Docker’s functionality.

Explanation:

  1. FROM python:3.8-slim:
    Specifies the base image using Python 3.8 in a slimmed-down version.
  2. WORKDIR /app:
    Sets the working directory inside the container to /app.
  3. COPY . /app:
    Copies all files from the current directory to the container’s /app directory.
  4. RUN pip install –no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt:
    Installs Python dependencies listed in requirements.txt.
  5. EXPOSE 80:
    Exposes port 80 to allow external access to the container.
  6. ENV NAME World:
    Sets an environment variable NAME with the value World.
  7. CMD [“python”, “app.py”]:
    Specifies the command to run the application using Python.

Running the Docker Container

  1. Build the Docker Image:

  1. Run the Docker Container:

Output Explanation:
The application will be accessible at http://localhost:4000/, running the Python app defined in app.py.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve navigated the complexities of installing Docker on a Windows system using WSL2. By integrating Docker with WSL2 and Visual Studio Code, developers can achieve a seamless and efficient development environment that leverages the strengths of both Windows and Linux. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, mastering Docker installation and configuration is a pivotal step towards enhancing your software development workflow.

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