How to Install Docker Compose on Linux

If you use Docker to manage containers, Docker Compose is a must-have tool. It lets you define and run multi-container applications with a simple YAML file. Here’s how you can install Docker Compose on a Linux machine in just a few steps.

What You Need

• A Linux machine (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, etc.)
• Docker already installed (if you haven’t, install Docker first)

Step 1: Check Docker Installation

Make sure Docker is running. In your terminal, type:

docker --version

You should see Docker’s version. If not, install Docker before moving on.

Step 2: Download the Latest Docker Compose

First, find the latest version of Docker Compose from the releases page.

Now, run this command (replace v2.29.2 with the latest version if needed):

sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/v2.29.2/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

Step 3: Apply Execute Permissions

Make the binary executable:

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

Step 4: Verify Installation

Check if Docker Compose is working:

docker-compose --version

You should see the version number.

Optional: Add Bash Completion

For an easier command-line experience, you can enable bash completion:

sudo curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/docker/compose/v2.29.2/contrib/completion/bash/docker-compose -o /etc/bash_completion.d/docker-compose

That’s It!

Docker Compose is now ready to use on your Linux system. You can start creating docker-compose.yml files to define and run your multi-container apps with a single command:

docker-compose up

Troubleshooting

• If you get a “Permission denied” error, check the permissions of /usr/local/bin/docker-compose.
• If the docker-compose command isn’t found, your PATH may not include /usr/local/bin. You can fix this by adding it to your PATH or moving the binary to /usr/bin/.

Wrap Up

Installing Docker Compose on Linux is quick and painless. With Compose ready, you can launch complex app stacks in seconds. If you hit a snag, let us know in the comments below!

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Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!