Common Issues with Docker

Running Namazu Elements locally is best done in Docker. We provide Community Edition as a pre-configured environment using Docker Compose. If you are running into trouble using Docker, this page has a few common problems and solutions.

Not in the Correct Working Directory #

Docker relies on the current working directory for almost all operations. Typically you will see errors about missing configuration if you do not cd to the correct directory first.

ptwohig@ryzen:~$ docker compose up -d
no configuration file provided: not found

If you are using Github Desktop, then look for your project in these directories:

• Windows – C:\Users\<your-username>\Documents\GitHub
• Mac OS – ~/Documents/GitHub

Refer to the usage for your specific git client when locating the directory on disk. Before running docker, ensure you are in the correct directory.

cdC:\Users\username\<your-user\GitHub\docker-compose

Docker Service Not Running #

Not all operating systems immediately run Docker or the Docker service can be shut down indvertently. Typically errors like this will appear:

Cannot connect to the Docker daemon at unix:///var/run/docker.sock. Is the docker daemon running?

Got permission denied while trying to connect to the Docker daemon socket at unix:///var/run/docker.sock

To fix this start Docker using the instructions for your operating system.

• Windows
  • Desktop App: Search for “Docker Desktop” in the Start menu and launch it.
  • CLI: Use the Docker Desktop CLI by running docker desktop start in PowerShell or Command Prompt (requires Docker Desktop 4.37+).
  • Auto-start: In settings, check “Start Docker Desktop when you log in” to have it run on boot. 
• Mac
  • Desktop App: Open Docker.app from your Applications folder or use Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
  • CLI: Run open -a Docker in the Terminal. For newer versions (4.37+), you can also use docker desktop start.
  • Headless/Alternative: If using Colima, use the command colima start. 
• Linux
  • Systemd (Standard Engine): Start the daemon with sudo systemctl start docker. To ensure it starts on every boot, use sudo systemctl enable docker.
• Docker Desktop for Linux
  • GUI: Launch “Docker Desktop” from your application menu (Gnome/KDE).
  • CLI: Use systemctl --user start docker-desktop to start the desktop-managed engine.