Managing Docker containers via the command line can quickly become complex, especially as the number of services grows. Portainer provides a simple and effective solution by offering an intuitive web interface to easily manage, monitor, and administer Docker environments.
In this article, we’ll see how to install Portainer with Docker, step by step, on a Linux system. This official, fast, and secure installation method will allow you to deploy Portainer in just a few minutes and start managing your containers effortlessly. Whether you are a Docker beginner or an advanced user, this guide will help you set up Portainer CE (Community Edition) and fully enjoy its features.
What is Portainer?
Portainer is an open-source web interface designed to simplify Docker container management. It allows you to manage Docker environments easily without relying exclusively on the command line. Thanks to its intuitive graphical interface, Portainer makes container management accessible to both beginners and advanced users.
Specifically, Portainer allows you to create, start, stop, modify, and monitor Docker containers in just a few clicks. It also provides access to logs, performance statistics, and an interactive console to interact directly with running containers.
Portainer consists of two main components: Portainer Server and Portainer Agent. The server provides the web interface, while the agent enables connection and management of multiple remote Docker hosts, offering a centralized view of the entire infrastructure from a single interface.
If you want to install Portainer with Docker, Portainer CE (Community Edition) is free and compatible with Docker, Docker Swarm, and Kubernetes, while the Business version adds advanced features.
Installing Portainer with Docker
Using Docker Compose is recommended for a clean, readable, and easily maintainable installation. It allows you to deploy Portainer with a single YAML file.
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure that:
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Docker is installed and running on your machine
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You have sudo privileges
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Ports 9443 (web interface) and 8000 (optional) are free
Create the Docker Compose file manually
Create the file portainer-compose.yaml with the following content:
Deploy Portainer with Docker Compose
Once the file is created or downloaded, launch the installation with the following command:
Docker will automatically:
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Download the official Portainer image
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Create the persistent volume
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Start the container in the background
Accessing Portainer
After deployment, open your browser and go to the web interface:
On the first login:
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Create an administrator password
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Select the local Docker environment
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Confirm the configuration
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, Portainer allows you to centralize your Docker environments, monitor containers, deploy stacks, and automate daily tasks without relying on the command line.
Installing Portainer with Docker is fast, secure, and accessible, providing an intuitive interface to manage all your containers and environments.
To explore further and discover all the possibilities offered by the tool, it is recommended to consult the official Portainer documentation, which is regularly updated and full of examples for Docker, Docker Swarm, and Kubernetes environments