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Install Docker on Mac

Installing Docker on a Mac is very easy because Docker provides a nice app called Docker Desktop. 🍎

Step 1: Download Docker Desktop

  1. Go to the official Docker website.
  2. Click the download button for Mac.
    • Note: Choose the correct version for your Mac (Intel chip or Apple Silicon/M1/M2/M3).

Step 2: Install the App

  1. Once the download is finished, double-click the .dmg file.
  2. Drag the Docker icon into your Applications folder.

Step 3: Start Docker

  1. Open your Applications folder and double-click Docker.
  2. You might see a little whale icon in your top menu bar. Wait for it to stop moving—this means Docker is ready!

Step 4: Verify the installation

Open your terminal and type:

Terminal window
docker --version

If you see a version number, congratulations! You have successfully installed Docker on your Mac. 🚀


Summary

  • Download Docker Desktop from the website.
  • Move it to your Applications folder.
  • Run the app and wait for the whale icon to stabilize.
  • Test it in your terminal.