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permission denied: /var/run/docker.sock

The Issue

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

Root Cause

Only root and members of the `docker` group can access the socket. Your user is in neither.

How to Fix
  1. Add user to docker group: `sudo usermod -aG docker $USER`
  2. Log out and back in (or reconnect SSH) — group changes only apply to new sessions
  3. Verify: run `groups` and confirm `docker` appears
  4. Test: `docker ps` should now work without sudo