Docker Setup Guide
Free
Run a disposable test container before adding a local development stack.
BEGINNER / WINDOWS DESKTOP
1. Set the stage
Docker supports local development; it is not an AI model. On Windows, confirm supported OS, virtualization, and the selected backend requirements.
1. Check the prerequisites
Use Docker's Windows setup page to confirm current system requirements. Enable hardware virtualization and prepare WSL 2 if using that backend.
2. Install & start Desktop
Download Docker Desktop from docker.com. Run the installer, choose the supported backend, and launch Desktop until its engine is running.
3. Verify the basic runtime
Open a new terminal. Run docker --version, then docker run --rm hello-world. Read the result before adding project containers.
4. Keep project data separate
Use a practice folder and a reviewed Compose file for a later app. Know which data belongs in volumes and how to back it up.
2. Lean working stack
| Stage | Role | | --- | --- | | Project files | Define the app | | Docker | Run containers | | Named volumes | Keep state | | Tests & logs | Check behavior |
Arrows in the visual sheet show the order of work. External connections require separate setup. Optional tools may be replaced with ones you already use. This is a suggested stack for this task, not a universal optimum.
Use disposable tests first
The hello-world container exits after its test. The --rm flag removes that container afterward; it does not remove unrelated containers or data.
Do not treat isolation as magic
Containers share host resources. Review images, mounts, network exposure, and credentials. Avoid mounting your entire home directory for a small test.
3. First practice task
Start Docker Desktop and run docker run --rm hello-world. Confirm the success message. Then inspect Docker Desktop so you can distinguish an image, a stopped container, and a running container.
Your setup is working when
The engine responds, hello-world completes, and you can explain where a project would persist data before running a larger service.
Troubleshooting
Cannot connect? Start Desktop. Virtualization error? Check backend requirements. Port in use? Choose a different test mapping or stop the right service.
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