Docker Installation — Comparing docker.io Vs Official Docker Package
Docker is a widely-used platform for containerization, making application deployment scalable and efficient. When installing Docker on a Linux system, you often encounter two options: using the `docker.io` package from the Linux distribution’s repository or installing Docker via the official Docker repository. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two methods, their pros and cons, and which one you should choose based on your needs.
What Is `docker.io`?
The `docker.io` package is the version of Docker provided by the default package repository of Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This version is managed and maintained by the distribution’s package maintainers, ensuring compatibility with the operating system.
Installation Process:
To install Docker using `docker.io`, simply run:
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install docker.io -y
This method is straightforward and requires no additional configuration, making it a go-to choice for basic setups.
What Is the Official Docker Package?
The official Docker package, also known as Docker CE (Community Edition), is directly maintained by Docker Inc. It is distributed via Docker’s official repositories and always contains the latest version of Docker along with all new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
Installation Process:
To install Docker CE, you need to add Docker’s official repository to your system:
Add Docker’s GPG key and repository
$ curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg — dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
echo “deb [arch=$(dpkg — print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
Install Docker CE
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y
Key Differences Between `docker.io` and Official Docker CE
Pros and Cons of Each Method
-> `docker.io`
Pros:
1. Ease of Installation: Installed directly using the package manager (`apt`).
2. Stability: Comes with thoroughly tested versions, ensuring compatibility with the OS.
3. No External Configuration: No need to configure third-party repositories.
Cons:
1. Outdated Versions: May lack the latest Docker features and performance optimizations.
2. Slower Updates: Bug fixes and security patches are delayed, as updates are tied to the Linux distribution’s update cycle.
-> Official Docker CE
Pros:
1. Latest Features: Includes the most recent features, improvements, and bug fixes.
2. Frequent Updates: Updates are rolled out as soon as new Docker versions are released.
3. Direct Support: Maintained by Docker Inc., ensuring high reliability and frequent patches.
Cons:
1. Setup Complexity: Requires adding a GPG key and the Docker repository manually.
2. Possibly Unstable Features: As it includes cutting-edge features, occasional instability may occur in some releases.
Which Should You Choose?
Use `docker.io` if:
- You prioritize stability over cutting-edge features.
- Your environment is strictly controlled and tied to the operating system’s package manager.
- You’re experimenting or using Docker for small-scale projects where the latest version isn’t critical.
Use Official Docker CE if:
- You require new features, performance optimizations, or immediate access to bug fixes.
- You work in DevOps, production environments, or other scenarios where Docker is a critical tool.
- You need security fixes and updates promptly.
Conclusion
Both methods of installing Docker have their own merits. The `docker.io` package is a stable and straightforward solution for casual users or those who need simplicity. On the other hand, the official Docker CE installation provides a more robust and feature-rich experience, ideal for developers and production environments.
By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision tailored to your specific use case. Whether you’re running a simple container on your personal system or managing a complex DevOps pipeline, Docker offers flexibility to adapt to your needs.
