Docker to run and compile C++ code

You can use Docker to run and compile C++ code even if your local machine doesn’t have any compiler or build tools installed (like g++, clang, or make).

GOAL

You’ll:

1. Pull a Docker image that already has a C++ compiler.

2. Run a container from that image.

3. Compile and execute a C++ program inside the container.

Step 1. Check Docker is working

Run:

docker --version
docker run hello-world

If you see “Hello from Docker!”, it means Docker is installed and running.

Step 2. Pull a C++-ready image

There are many Docker images that already include C++ compilers.The most common choices:

Image	Includes
gcc	GNU C/C++ compiler
ubuntu	Basic OS (you can install g++)
clang	LLVM/Clang compiler

For most uses:

docker pull gcc

This downloads an image with g++ preinstalled.

Step 3. Run a container interactively

Start a container and enter its shell:

docker run -it gcc bash

You’ll now be inside a Linux shell that already has a C++ compiler.

Check the compiler:

g++ --version

Step 4. Create a small C++ program

Inside the container, use any editor (like nano) or echo command:

echo '#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
    cout << "Hello from Docker C++!" << endl;
    return 0;
}' > hello.cpp

Step 5. Compile the code

Run:

g++ hello.cpp -o hello

That creates an executable file hello.

Step 6. Run the program

Execute it:

./hello

You should see:

Hello from Docker C++!