If you haven't worked with us before Raspberry Pi devices, You might wonder how applications run without user intervention.This is one of the possibilities when you use docker, the program that will make working with this board easier.
It is available on the latest versions of this hardware and can run applications at any levelwith minimal developer oversight.
Learn about its main features and benefitsYou can also learn step by step How to install Docker on a Raspberry Pi board and automate the processes in your project.
What is Docker and what is this tool used for on a Raspberry Pi?
Very rarely will you need to maintain your Raspberry Pi connected to a keyboard and monitorOften, Developers use this tool to automate processesKeep in mind that a Raspberry Pi device It's like a mini-computer and requires someone or "something" to give it orders. so that it can perform its functions. That's what Docker is for; this program allows you to automate the tasks that the board performs.
With this powerful software, Administrators run libraries, applications, and code at any level and control command timings that the program provides to the board. If programs like Docker didn't exist, a person would have to be manually managing the applications that allow the computer to perform its functions. In expert terms, It is a container operating system that virtualizes a machineThis eliminates the need to directly control the applications that are needed.
Docker Features: What are its most interesting functions on a Raspberry Pi?
Docker is a free and open-source programTherefore, it is available free of charge to developers who adapt this program to their needs.
Check out the top-rated features of this app:
- The applications run automatically: The best thing about this program is that you write code and run it only once. Then, Docker does all the work for you, and you can request it to do anything with minimal resources and at low cost.
- They are lighter: The same task can be accomplished with a virtual machine, but it requires more hardware resources. Docker uses containers, a similar concept to a virtual machine, but it's not actually the same thing.
- Precision: Since it's a program that executes a task, Docker allows you to get the work done at the time, frequency, and steps you specify. This reduces the likelihood of human error that could disrupt your project.
- Free and paid support: Although most of the developer community works with the free version, Docker also offers a paid option that has greater benefits and support for its customers.
- Cost savings: This application doesn't require many resources (depending on the type of project), so the investment in machinery and human resources is lower. The return on investment is faster compared to using other technologies.
- Increase productivity: When we automate processes, you can dedicate all your effort to another phase of the project. Furthermore, in case of problems, Docker has simple configurations that allow you to revert to other versions of the applications you run and repair the damage.
What are the most important requirements to be able to use Docker on a Raspberry Pi?
Docker It is a program that It is compatible with the latest versions of Raspberry Pi. and it adapts to any operating system that is installed on it.
Similarly, other characteristics and requirements are needed for proper functioning:
- Get to know Docker well: This is not a program for beginners; it requires some experience in application development and server configuration.
- Correct installation: Since it is an ARM architecture, it is important to know all the components of the board and the operating system that runs on it.
- Managing the concept of images: Docker creates containers that mimic the behavior of system images. When a task or adjustment is performed in a container, it only affects that container and not the original system image.
- Create containers: Once the original image is downloaded, it's time to start creating as many containers as needed for the project. From this point on, the applications are installed and the tasks are scheduled.
- Create servers: Some of the tasks performed by a container require a web server. This allows the tasks to be carried out in an isolated environment without interfering with other web servers.
Learn step by step how to install and configure Docker on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer from scratch
When you have your project definedWith the tasks that need to be automated, then we proceed to Properly install Docker on your Raspberry Pi.
We'll tell you the steps to follow:
Install Raspberry Pi Imager
You will learn from scratch how to install Docker on your Raspberry Pi, so it is important to first complete a few preliminary steps when dealing with a new device that does not have any operating system pre-installed:
- Visit la web
raspberrypi.org.
- Find the section “Install Raspberry Pi OS using Raspberry Pi Imager”.
- Press the button “Download for Windows”.
- There are also versions for macOS and the Ubuntu Linux distribution.
- Run the installer and follow the steps.
- You must wait until the percentage reaches 100% before running the program.
Although you probably already know, It's best if you perform this step in Windows 10. if you prefer to do it on this operating system. There may be errors if you have other versions of Windows..
Install an operating system
Remember that, to perform a correct installation, You must do it on the Micro SD card that your Raspberry Pi will use. to perform the tasks.
This must be formatted:
- Insert the Micro SD card on your Windows 10 computer.
- Run Raspberry Pi Imager and select the operating system you want to install.
- In case of choosing Raspberry PiOS, formerly known as raspbian, you must select the option “Raspberry Pi OS (Other)”.
- Choose the option “Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit)”.
- This is a version that doesn't have a desktopBut it's the best option for it to run. Docker smoothly.
- Choose the Micro SD card where the installation will take place.
- Press "Write".
Configure Docker
Now comes the most important step because it's time to download and configure Docker, but everything is done using commands:
- Create an SSH file so that the Raspberry Pi can be configured when it starts up.
- After completing the setup, eject the Micro SD card from your computer and connect it to the Raspberry Pi.
- From your computer, Open a terminal and use an SSH client You will be able to make the connection with the Raspberry Pi device.
- When the operating system starts, The next step is to install the necessary dependencies.
- The next step is to download “kyes” de dockers.
- Those must be installed “kyes”.
- The following steps are taken place the Docker repository.
- It's time to Write commands to install Docker and Docker Compose.
- Wait for the process ends.
- Lastly, Enter username and password with this command.
- You Log out of this user before starting the dockers.
We'll show you how to update Docker on a Raspberry Pi to get the latest version of the program
Updating should be a simple and straightforward process, but there are a few steps and considerations to keep in mind:
No dependency installation is required
Some inexperienced developers perform a fresh installation Docker on the Raspberry Pi board checks for the latest updates, but this isn't actually necessary. Reinstalling dependencies can cause errors when repositories are already added.
Use a simple command
You only need to use an update package manager with the following command:
sudo apt-get upgrade
If the tasks you wish to perform are complexIt's best to keep the application updated. If you consider the tasks simple, it's best to leave Docker as is.
These are the steps to uninstall Docker on a Raspberry Pi if you no longer need the application for anything useful.
When Do you want to give your Raspberry Pi a new use?, so It will be necessary to completely remove Docker from the Micro SD card which is used to run this program on the board.
Let's see the steps to follow:
Using a command
When you want to remove Docker, simply type the following line from the command terminal:
sudo apt-get purge docker-ce
You'll see how Docker is quickly uninstalled from the Micro SD cardbut the operating system remains.
format the card
When a program error prevents you from executing commands, the only solution is to format the Micro SD card:
- Remove the Micro SD card of your Raspberry Pi.
- Place the card in an adapter and Insert the drive into your computer.
- Perform a formatting clean and safe.
The only problem with this procedure is that You also remove the operating system that controls the Raspberry Pi.The advantage is that you ensure there is no trace left of the mistakes that forced you to make this decision.
