guide / no-docker· 2026-08-20

Helpers install. Docker is still your job.

dc-cli needs a Docker engine. It does not install one for you. If Desktop or Colima is already installed, dc-recover --yes / TUI [f] can start it.

What you will see

Surface Behavior
install.sh Helpers still install. Readiness block explains what is missing.
dc doctor Blocker on docker_cli / docker_daemon with a host code and remediation.
dc up Refuses early with the same recovery text.
dc Blocked setup screen: [f] try fix (existing engine), [d] Desktop guide, [c] copy Colima, [r] retry, [q] quit.

Codes

  • docker_cli_missing — docker not on PATH
  • docker_engine_missing — no engine evidence on the machine
  • docker_engine_stopped — engine present but not reachable
  • docker_permission_denied — socket permission / group issue
  • docker_context_invalid — bad context / DOCKER_HOST
  • docker_split_brain — more than one live engine (dc-recover --yes or dc-engine --fix)

Beginner path

  1. Install Docker Desktop
  2. Wait until it is ready
  3. dc-doctor
  4. dc or dc up

Lightweight macOS path

brew install docker colima
colima start
dc doctor
dc

One live engine only — Colima or Desktop, not both.

See also doctor and install.

FAQ

Does install fail without Docker?
No. Helpers install. Machine readiness is reported separately. Day-2 diagnosis is dc-doctor.
Will dc-cli start Docker for me?
If an engine is already installed, dc-recover --yes / TUI [f] can start it. It still never auto-installs Desktop or Colima.
What does the TUI show?
A blocked setup screen. Engine already there — [f] try fix. Empty machine — [d] Desktop guide, [c] copy Colima setup. [r] retry, [q] quit.

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