If you're looking for a reliable and streamlined way to run containerized applications, Docker is one of the best tools available. It allows developers and system administrators to package, distribute, and manage applications in isolated environments. And when paired with Debian 12—one of the most stable and efficient Linux distributions—you get a powerful combo for development and production workloads. In this post, we’ll coverhow to install Docker on Debian using Vultr’s easy-to-follow guide, making your setup smooth, even if you're a beginner.

Why Docker on Debian 12?

Debian 12, codenamed “Bookworm,” is known for its simplicity, minimalism, and long-term support. It provides a clean and dependable foundation for containers. Docker adds a layer of flexibility, enabling you to run isolated environments for apps and services with ease.

Whether you're building microservices, deploying a web server, or managing CI/CD pipelines, Docker on Debian 12 gives you the tools and structure to scale quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Docker on Debian

You don’t need to be an expert to get Docker running. Here’s the simplest way, as outlined in Vultr’s tutorial:

1. Update your system

Start by making sure your Debian 12 system is up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y



2. Install required packages

Install the necessary dependencies to manage repositories and download packages securely:

sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release -y



3. Add Docker’s GPG key and repository

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/debian/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg



Then add the Docker repository:

echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null



4. Install Docker Engine

Update your package list again and install Docker:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y



5. Start and verify Docker

Enable Docker to start on boot and check its status:

sudo systemctl enable docker

sudo systemctl start docker

sudo systemctl status docker



6. Run Docker without sudo (optional)

If you prefer not to use sudo every time, add your user to the Docker group:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

newgrp docker



7. Test your setup

Finally, run a test container to confirm everything is working:

docker run hello-world





Conclusion

That’s it! You now have Docker running on Debian 12 in just a few simple steps. Thanks to Vultr’s comprehensive guide, even those new to Linux or containers can get up and running with confidence. Whether you’re building apps or managing infrastructure, this setup offers a powerful foundation for all your containerized workloads.

Try it today and experience the easiest way to get Docker running on Debian 12!