Setting up Docker on Raspberry Pi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:
Raspberry Pi is a versatile mini-computer, and with the growing popularity of containerization, using Docker on a Raspberry Pi can open up exciting possibilities. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up Docker on your Raspberry Pi so that you can leverage the power of containerization for your projects.

Before you start:
Make sure you have a Raspberry Pi up and running with the Raspbian OS or its derivatives. Additionally, ensure you have a stable internet connection to proceed with the installation.

Step 1: Editing cmdline.txt
To enable memory control and avoid issues with mem management, we need to make some adjustments to the cmdline.txt file. Open the file using the following command:

sudo vi /boot/cmdline.txt

Add the following lines at the end of the file:

cgroup_enable=memory swapaccount=1 cgroup_memory=nokmem cgroup_enable=cpuset

Save the changes and exit the editor.

Step 2: Adjusting GPU memory
To ensure smooth performance with Docker, it is recommended to allocate at least 128MB of GPU memory. Use the following steps to make the adjustment:

  • Open the raspi-config tool:

sudo raspi-config

  • Navigate to “Advanced Options” and then “Memory Split.”
  • Set the GPU memory to 128MB.
  • Save the changes and exit the configuration tool.

Step 3: Updating your system
Before installing Docker, it’s essential to have your system up-to-date. Run the following commands to update your Raspberry Pi:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo rpi-update
sudo reboot
sudo rpi-eeprom-update -a
sudo reboot

Step 4: Installing Docker
Now, it’s time to install Docker on your Raspberry Pi. Execute the following commands:

sudo curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sudo sh get-docker.sh
sudo reboot

Step 5: Granting permissions for Docker
To run Docker commands without using sudo, add your user to the “docker” group:

sudo groupadd docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Make sure to log out and log back in to apply the changes.

Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have successfully set up Docker on your Raspberry Pi, allowing you to harness the power of containerization for your projects. Docker provides an efficient way to manage applications and services, making development and deployment a breeze on your Raspberry Pi. Enjoy exploring the world of containers and unleash the full potential of your tiny yet powerful computing companion.

Happy coding!