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Are you encountering the error message “docker is not recognized as an internal or external command” while trying to run Docker commands?
Don’t worry, this issue is quite common. In this article, you are going to see how to fix it.
As a beginner in Docker, you might come across the error message “docker is not recognized as an internal or external command” when trying to run Docker commands in your command prompt or terminal. This error usually occurs due to misconfigurations in your system PATH variable.
But fret not, we’ve got you covered! This step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot and fix this error, allowing you to smoothly run your Docker commands.
Introduction Introduction
Docker is a popular platform used to build, ship, and run applications using containerization. However, it can be frustrating when you encounter the “docker is not recognized as an internal or external command” error. This guide will walk you through the necessary troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.
Understanding the Error Understanding the Error
When you see the “docker is not recognized as an internal or external command” error, it means that your system cannot locate the Docker executable.
This typically happens when Docker is not added to the system’s PATH variable or when there are misconfiguration.
Troubleshooting Steps Troubleshooting Steps
Checking Docker Installation Checking Docker Installation
Before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps, confirm that Docker is successfully installed on your system. Open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:
docker --version
If Docker is installed properly, it will display the version information. If not, make sure to install Docker following the official documentation for your operating system.
Verifying System PATH Variable Verifying System PATH Variable
The system PATH variable allows your operating system to locate and execute executables. To verify if Docker is missing from the PATH variable, follow these steps:
- Windows: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > System > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables. Under the System Variables section, check if there is a variable named Path.
If the variable exists, select it and click on the “Edit” button. In the “Edit Environment Variable” window, check if the path to the Docker executable (usually located in “C:\Program Files\Docker…”) is listed. If not, you will need to add it manually.
- macOS/Linux: Open a terminal window and run the command
echo $PATH. Check if the path to the Docker executable is included in the output. If not, you will need to add it manually.
Adding Docker to the PATH Variable Adding Docker to the PATH Variable
To add Docker to the system PATH variable, follow these instructions:
- Windows: In the “Edit Environment Variable” window mentioned earlier, click on the “New” button and enter the path to the Docker executable (e.g., “C:\Program Files\Docker…”). Click “OK” to save the changes.
- macOS/Linux: Open your terminal and run the following command, replacing
[path-to-docker-executable]with the actual path to the Docker executable:
echo 'export PATH="$PATH:[path-to-docker-executable]"' >> ~/.bashrc source ~/.bashrc
Restarting Your System Restarting Your System
After adding Docker to the PATH variable, it is recommended to restart your system to ensure the changes take effect.
Conclusion Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should now be able to run Docker commands without encountering the “docker is not recognized as an internal or external command” error. Remember to verify your Docker installation, check the system PATH variable, add Docker to the PATH if necessary, and restart your system. Enjoy using Docker to containerize your applications!
If you continue to experience issues, consult the Docker documentation or seek help from the Docker community. Happy containerizing!
Note: Information about Docker installation and configuring the PATH variable may vary depending on your operating system. Please refer to the official Docker documentation for detailed instructions specific to your environment.
