Docker — Install and Use Containers

Enables OpenClaw (and Cursor) to install Docker and use it reliably. Base all guidance on official Docker docs; when in doubt, fetch from canonical URLs below.

When to Apply

• User wants to install Docker (macOS, Linux, Windows)
• User asks about containers, images, Dockerfile, docker compose
• Building, running, or debugging Docker commands or workflows
• User asks for "latest Docker docs" or "how do I use Docker"

When running inside Docker Test: The test container already has the Docker CLI and the host socket mounted. Use docker directly to create, run, stop, and remove containers; do not try to install Docker or use sudo. See LEARNINGS.md (Integration with Docker Test).

Canonical Documentation URLs

Rule: For install steps, CLI syntax, or Dockerfile instructions, fetch the relevant doc URL and use that content. Do not rely on training data for version-specific install or command details.

Installation

Install Docker on the host so the docker CLI and daemon are available. After install, ensure the daemon is running (docker run hello-world).

Installation (reliable paths)

macOS

Recommended: Docker Desktop

1. Download from official docs: Install Docker Desktop on Mac.
   • Apple Silicon: https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/arm64/Docker.dmg
   • Intel: https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/amd64/Docker.dmg
2. Open Docker.dmg, drag Docker to Applications, then open Docker.app and accept terms.
3. CLI install (optional): After downloading the DMG:

   sudo hdiutil attach Docker.dmg
   sudo /Volumes/Docker/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/install
   sudo hdiutil detach /Volumes/Docker
   

4. Verify: docker run hello-world

OpenClaw / automation: If docker is missing and the user is on macOS, suggest installing via Homebrew: brew install --cask docker, then starting Docker Desktop so the daemon is running.

Linux (Ubuntu example)