How to Fix curl: (6) Could not resolve host Error When Using Docker on WSL 2

A guide to resolving the `curl` error in Docker on WSL 2 by configuring DNS settings for better network connectivity.
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Resolving the curl: (6) Could not resolve host Error in Docker on WSL 2

When working with Docker on WSL 2, you might encounter an issue with the curl command where it fails to resolve a host name, resulting in the following error:

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This can be particularly frustrating when you're trying to download files or packages, like releases from GitHub. Fortunately, there's a straightforward solution to this problem that involves adjusting your Docker configuration. Let's break it down step by step.

Understanding the Problem

The error arises because Docker is unable to resolve DNS queries for external hosts from within the WSL 2 environment. This issue often occurs if Docker is not properly configured to use a DNS server that can resolve internet domain names.

Causes of the Error:

DNS Configuration: Docker may not be using a reliable DNS server to resolve hostnames.

Networking Issues: There could be an underlying issue with the network configuration of the WSL 2 instance.

Solution: Setting Up DNS for Docker

Fortunately, editing the Docker configuration file is relatively simple and can resolve the issue effectively. Here's how you can do that:

Step 1: Access Docker Configuration

Open your terminal (WSL 2 instance).

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

Add the following JSON configuration to specify a DNS server that Docker should use:

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The IP address 8.8.8.8 refers to Google's public DNS server, which is reliable for resolving most hostnames.

Step 3: Restart Docker Service

After saving the configuration file, restart the Docker service for the changes to take effect. You can do this by running:

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Testing the Solution

Now that you've configured Docker with appropriate DNS settings, try running your curl command again to download the necessary files or packages. The command should now work without any issues, allowing you to proceed with your development tasks seamlessly.

Conclusion

Adjusting the DNS settings in Docker on WSL 2 can quickly resolve the curl: (6) Could not resolve host error and improve connectivity. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that Docker can effectively resolve external hostnames and import the resources you need from the internet. If you encounter any additional issues, consider checking your network configuration or exploring further troubleshooting measures.

With this fix in place, you'll be back to downloading and working on your projects in no time!