Install Docker Compose on Ubuntu 20.04: A Detailed Guide

Want to simplify managing multi-container applications? This guide walks you through how to install Docker Compose on Ubuntu 20.04, with a step-by-step walkthrough and practical examples to get you started. Learn how to effortlessly orchestrate your Docker containers.

Why Use Docker Compose?

Docker Compose streamlines the management of applications that rely on multiple containers. Instead of wrestling with individual container configurations, Compose lets you define and manage your entire application stack in a single YAML file. This makes spinning up, connecting, and scaling complex applications much easier.

Prerequisites: Getting Ready for Docker Compose

Before installing Docker Compose, ensure you have the following:

• An Ubuntu 20.04 server or local machine.
• A non-root user with sudo privileges.
• Docker installed (follow Steps 1 and 2 of How To Install and Use Docker on Ubuntu 20.04).

Step 1: Installing Docker Compose on Ubuntu

This tutorial focuses on installing Docker Compose v1, which uses the docker-compose command.

1. Download the Latest Version: Grab the most recent stable version from the official Docker Compose Github repository. Check the releases page for the latest version number.

   sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/1.29.2/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
   

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2. Set Permissions: Make the docker-compose command executable:

   sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
   

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3. Verify Installation: Check the installed version:

   docker-compose --version
   

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   You should see output similar to: docker-compose version 1.29.2, build 5becea4c.

Step 2: Create and Configure a docker-compose.yml File

The docker-compose.yml file defines your application's services, networks, and volumes. Let's create a simple web server environment using the official Nginx image.

1. Create a Project Directory:

   mkdir ~/compose-demo
   cd ~/compose-demo
   mkdir app
   

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2. Create an index.html File:

   nano app/index.html
   

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   Add the following content:

   
   
   
   
    Docker Compose Demo 
   
   
   
    This is a Docker Compose Demo Page. 
    This content is being served by an Nginx container. 
   
   
   
   

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3. Create the docker-compose.yml File:

   nano docker-compose.yml
   

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   Add the following content:

   version: '3.7'
   services:
     web:
       image: nginx:alpine
       ports:
         - "8000:80"
       volumes:
         - ./app:/usr/share/nginx/html
   

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   • version: Specifies the Docker Compose file version.
   • services: Defines the services in your application.
   • web: A service named "web" using the nginx:alpine image.
   • ports: Maps port 8000 on the host to port 80 in the container.
   • volumes: Shares the local app folder with the container's document root.

Step 3: Running your Docker Compose application

Bring the environment up using the docker-compose up command.

docker-compose up -d

The -d flag runs the containers in detached (background) mode. Docker Compose will pull the Nginx image (if it's not already present) and create the container.

Verify the container is running:

docker-compose ps

Access your demo application in your browser at localhost:8000 (if running locally) or your_server_domain_or_IP:8000.

Step 4: Master Docker Compose Commands

• docker-compose logs: View logs from your services.
• docker-compose pause: Pause all services.
• docker-compose unpause: Resume paused services.
• docker-compose stop: Stop all services.
• docker-compose down: Stop and remove containers, networks, and volumes.
• docker image rm nginx:alpine: Remove the base image.

Conclusion

You've successfully installed Docker Compose and created a web server environment on Ubuntu 20.04!

Next Steps with Docker Compose Ubuntu

• Explore more complex applications with multiple services.
• Learn about networking and service discovery in Docker Compose.
• Automate deployments using Docker Compose and CI/CD pipelines.