Learn About Docker Windows as a Beginner

The most well-known containerization platform in technology is Docker. Almost the entire world’s leading organization that provides digital services uses Docker containers to execute their apps. As a result, if you want to work in the software industry, it is critical to grasp and study Docker. This article will introduce you to Docker and show you how to get started with Docker windows. Here you can get a clear idea of the docker terminology, its advantages and disadvantages, and the prerequisites to docker windows. Let’s move further.

What is Docker?

Docker is a well-known open-source technology that allows you to construct containers and, as a result, container-based applications. Docker was originally designed primarily for Linux, but it is now available for Windows and macOS as well. Docker containers are lightweight and simple platforms that run into the application using resources from the host machine.

Terminology Use by Docker

When working with Docker, you will come across a few words regularly. Let’s get started on them right now.

Dockerfile

A dockerfile is the starting point for every Docker container. It is a text file that provides the instructions or steps for creating a Docker image and is written in a comprehensible syntax. A dockerfile specified the operating system that will be used as the container’s foundation, as well as languages, network ports, environment variables, and any other necessary components.

Docker Images

Docker images are built-based read-only templates on the dockerfile’s parameters. Docker images are portable, but their essence is static. As a result, you must be cautious about the specs you use to construct them.

Docker Containers

Docker images run in the form of a Docker container whenever you execute it. As a result, Docker containers may be thought of as the runtime instance of a Docker image.

Docker Hub

The Docker Hub is where you can save your Docker images. Images saved in Docker Hub may be retrieved from a distant server and executed locally. You can have both private and public repositories in Docker Hub.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Docker Windows

There are certain reasons why you should use Docker Windows, but there are also some drawbacks to utilizing it. Let’s take a closer at it. Let’s start with the good side first.

Advantages

• Security

We live in a digital age, and cyber security is of paramount significance. If you are using Docker Windows, there is a good chance that you are using the “Hyper-V” mode. Here your containers will operate inside a Hyper-V virtual machine instance, thereby isolating them from host servers and adding another degree of security.

• Solves Varied Environment Issues

Many software development companies utilize both Linux and Windows servers. In this situation, Docker Windows will help you standardize the toolset you use to deliver apps.

Let’s have a look at some of Docker’s Windows limitations.

Disadvantages

• Not all versions of Windows are supported

Docker Windows only supports Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. Microsoft has not indicated that it intends to add container functionality to earlier operating systems. For previous versions, you can utilize virtual boxes and other solutions.

• Problem of Depndencies

If you come from a Linux background, you are probably acquainted with several commands like ‘nano’. The difficulty with Windows is that PowerShell and CMD don’t support a lot of these functions, but it is not impossible to remedy. You can set up a new terminal and add dependencies to make use of libraries, but it is a pain. It works wonderfully after you have set everything up.

Prerequisites for Docker Windows

For Docker Windows installation, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• You must make sure that you use a 64-bit Windows 10 system, either the Pro edition of the Enterprise one because Docker is only compatible with Windows 10. For previous versions of Windows, however, there is a solution. Docker Toolbox can be used for this purpose.
• You will need to have the hypervisor turned on in Windows. Hypervisor-V is known as a lightweight virtualization solution.
• Virtualization must also be enabled in your BIOS.
• After you have mastered the fundamentals of Docker, the blog will walk you through the process of installing Docker on Windows.

Install Docker Windows

Step 1: Go to the official website of Docker and click on it to get Docker for Windows.

Step 2: Use the installer to install the file downloaded to get started.

Step 3: Accept the license and continue with the installation by using the Install Wizard.

Step 4: After the installation is complete, you will have to restart the computer.

Step 5: if you see the tag “no containers running” on the screen after restarting your computer, you will then have to make some additional changes.

Step 6: After making the additional changes, restart your computer and complete all the preceding steps.

And just like that, your Docker Windows is ready for use.

Conclusion

Now that you have gained a brief idea about Docker Windows, follow the steps of installing it and be successful in it. Hope this guide can guide you well and learn how to begin with Docker on Windows.