Installing Docker Desktop on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Docker is a popular platform used for developing, testing, and deploying containerized applications. If you're a developer or a user looking to use Docker on your Mac, this article will guide you through the installation process of Docker Desktop on macOS.

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker Desktop, make sure that you have downloaded the `.dmg` file from the official Docker website. This file contains the Docker Desktop installer.

Step 1: Run the Installer

Double-click the `Docker.dmg` file to open the installer. You will see a window with the Docker logo and the option to install the application. Click on the 'Install' button to proceed.

Step 2: Accept the License Agreement

When you run the install command, macOS typically performs security checks, which may take several minutes to complete. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to accept the Docker Subscription Service Agreement (DSSA). You can choose to accept the terms now or later by opening Docker Desktop.

Step 3: Configure Docker Desktop

After accepting the DSSA, you can start configuring your Docker Desktop settings. To do this, you need to specify a few flags using the `install` command. Here are some of the most commonly used flags:

* `-allowed-org=`: This flag requires the user to sign in and be part of the specified Docker Hub organization when running the application.

* `-admin-settings`: This flag automatically creates an admin-settings.json file, which is used by admins to control certain Docker Desktop settings on client machines within their organization.

* `-user=`: This flag performs privileged configurations once during installation. You can find your username by entering `ls /Users` in the CLI.

Step 4: Install Docker Desktop

Once you have configured your settings, you can install Docker Desktop using the following command:

```

sudo /Volumes/Docker/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/install

```

This command will take a few minutes to complete. Once the installation is complete, you can start using Docker Desktop.

Step 5: Start Docker Desktop

To start Docker Desktop, simply double-click on the Docker icon in the Applications folder. You will see the Docker menu (⌘) displaying the Docker Subscription Service Agreement window.

That's it! You have successfully installed and started Docker Desktop on your Mac. You can now use Docker to develop, test, and deploy containerized applications.

Subscription Options

Docker Desktop offers several subscription options, including:

* Docker Pro: This subscription includes commercial use of Docker Desktop.

* Team: This subscription is designed for teams and includes features such as collaboration and version control.

* Business: This subscription includes advanced security features and support.

* Government: This subscription is required for government entities.

* Paid Subscription: This subscription is required for professional use. However, Docker Desktop is free for small businesses (fewer than 250 employees AND less than $10 million in annual revenue), personal use, education, and non-commercial open source projects.

In this article, we have walked you through the installation process of Docker Desktop on macOS. We hope that this guide has helped you to successfully install and start using Docker Desktop on your Mac. For more information about Docker Desktop, including subscription options and system requirements, please visit the official Docker website.

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