Docker and Docker Desktop Alternatives 2023

What is Docker Desktop?

Docker Desktop is an awesome tool for developers that allows them to run and manage containerized applications on their local machines. It is a popular choice for creating, testing, and deploying applications consistently and predictably. 

Docker Desktop provides a user-friendly interface that lets developers quickly build and manage containers using a simple point-and-click interface. It allows users to create images from their application code and run them as containers. 

One of the key benefits of using Docker Desktop is that it eliminates the need for developers to configure their local environments to match the production environment. With Docker Desktop, developers can create a container containing all the necessary dependencies and configurations and then use it to develop and test their applications. Docker Desktop ensures that the application will run consistently across different environments. 

Docker Desktop also provides various other features, such as the ability to manage multiple containers at once, scale up or down containers as needed, and manage network connections between containers. It also allows easy integration with popular tools and platforms like Kubernetes and AWS. 

Docker Desktop is a powerful tool that allows developers to streamline their application development and deployment processes, saving time and ensuring consistent performance across different environments. It is an essential tool for any developer looking to adopt a container-based approach to application development.

Docker vs Docker Desktop

Docker and Docker Desktop are two related but distinct technologies in the containerization space. While Docker is a command-line tool for building and managing containers, Docker Desktop is a graphical user interface (GUI) for Docker that provides an easy-to-use interface for managing containers on local machines. This article will compare Docker and Docker Desktop in a table format to help you understand their differences.

Feature	Docker	Docker Desktop
Command-line tool	Yes	No
GUI interface	No	Yes
Cross-platform	Yes	Yes
Local development	Yes, through CLI	Yes, through GUI
Production use	Yes, through CLI	Not recommended
Performance	Faster, since CLI runs on command line	Slightly slower due to GUI interface
Support	Active community support	Paid support available
Cost	Free	Free for personal use

Docker is a command-line tool available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a powerful and flexible interface for building and managing containers, allowing developers to script complex container workflows and automate tasks. Docker is used for local development, and it is primarily intended for production environments.

On the other hand, Docker Desktop is a GUI interface for Docker that provides an easy-to-use interface for managing containers on local machines. It is designed for local development environments and provides various tools for creating, testing, and debugging containerized applications. Docker Desktop is available for Windows and macOS and includes multiple features that make it easy to get started with container development.

One of the critical differences between Docker and Docker Desktop is their performance. Since Docker is a command-line tool, it can be faster than Docker Desktop, which runs in a GUI interface. However, this difference is minimal, and Docker Desktop is still a highly performant tool for local development.

Another critical difference between Docker and Docker Desktop is their support. Docker has an active community of developers who provide support and assistance for users, while Docker Desktop offers paid support services for those who need more comprehensive help.

Regarding cost, both Docker and Docker Desktop are free for personal use. However, Docker Desktop offers additional features and services for paid users, including access to advanced tools and technical support.

Overall, both Docker and Docker Desktop are potent tools for containerization, and your choice will depend on your specific needs and use cases. While Docker is a more flexible and powerful tool, Docker Desktop is an excellent choice for local development and testing.

Docker Alternatives 

1. BuildKit

BuildKit is an open-source tool developed by Docker for building and packaging containerized applications. It is designed to be faster and more efficient than traditional build tools and offers developers a range of advanced features. 

Pros:

1. Speed: BuildKit is known for its fast build times, thanks to its advanced caching and layering features. BuildKit makes it a popular choice for developers who need to build and package applications quickly and efficiently.
2. Efficiency: BuildKit uses a modular and extensible architecture that allows developers to customize and optimize the build process. BuildKit reduces build times and improves efficiency while also allowing developers to use the build tool that best suits their needs.
3. Advanced features: BuildKit offers a range of advanced features that make it a powerful tool for building and packaging containerized applications. These include multi-stage builds, building daemon, and caching at the layer level.
4. Portability: BuildKit is designed to be cross-platform, making it easy to use on a wide range of operating systems and architectures.
5. Open-source: BuildKit is an open-source tool, meaning developers can use, modify, and redistribute the code without restrictions. This makes it a popular choice for developers who value open-source software.

Cons:

1. Complexity: BuildKit can be more complex than traditional build tools, making it difficult for novice developers to use. BuildKit can also lead to more extended learning curves and increased support requirements.
2. Compatibility: BuildKit may only be compatible with existing build tools and workflows, making it difficult to integrate with existing systems.
3. Documentation: While BuildKit has extensive documentation, some users may need help to navigate or insufficient. BuildKit can be a barrier to adoption for developers who prefer more comprehensive and user-friendly documentation.
4. Community support: Although BuildKit has an active community of users and contributors, it may have a different level of support and resources than more established build tools.

BuildKit is a powerful and efficient tool for building and packaging containerized applications. Its advanced features and cross-platform capabilities make it a popular choice for developers who need fast and reliable build times. However, its complexity and compatibility issues may make it less accessible to some developers, and its documentation and community support may be insufficient for some users.

Steps to Configure BuildKit

To configure BuildKit, you need to follow these steps:

• Install Docker on your machine, if you haven't already done so. BuildKit is included in the latest version of Docker.

• Open the Docker settings and navigate to the "Build" tab.

• In the "Build" tab, enable the "Use BuildKit" option.

• (Optional) Customize the BuildKit configuration by clicking the "Advanced" button. This will allow you to configure various settings related to BuildKit, such as the number of concurrent build processes, the build cache size, and more.

• Save your changes and exit the settings.

2. Podman 

Podman is an open-source tool developed by Red Hat for running containers on Linux. It is designed to be a more secure and flexible alternative to Docker and offers developers a range of advanced features.

Pros:

1. Security: Podman is designed to be more secure than Docker, thanks to its rootless mode, which runs containers as non-root users. Podman reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities and improves the overall security of the containerized environment.

2. Flexibility: Podman offers a range of advanced features, such as support for multiple container runtimes and the ability to run containers without a daemon. Podman makes it a more flexible tool than Docker, which has a more monolithic architecture.

3. Compatibility: Podman is compatible with Docker images and API, making it easy to migrate from Docker to Podman without modifying existing code or infrastructure.

4. CLI experience: Podman offers a command-line interface (CLI) similar to Docker, meaning that developers who are familiar with Docker can quickly learn and use Podman.

5. Community support: Podman has an active community of developers and contributors committed to improving the tool and helping users. Podman means that a range of resources, such as forums and documentation, can help users troubleshoot issues and learn how to use the tool effectively.

Cons:

1. Learning curve: While Podman offers a CLI similar to Docker, it also has advanced features that can be difficult for novice users to learn and use. Podman can result in a longer learning curve and increased support requirements.

2. Documentation: Although Podman has extensive documentation, some users may find navigating challenging or insufficient. Podman can be a barrier to adoption for developers who prefer more comprehensive and user-friendly documentation.

3. Compatibility issues: While Podman is compatible with Docker images and API, it may only be compatible with some existing Docker workflows and tools. Podman can make it challenging to integrate with existing systems and infrastructure.

4. Daemonless mode: Although the ability to run containers without a daemon is a significant advantage of Podman, it may also make the toolless suitable for large-scale production environments, where a daemon is needed to manage multiple containers.

Overall, Podman is a powerful and secure tool for running containers on Linux. Its advanced features and compatibility with Docker make it a popular choice for developers who are looking for a more flexible and secure alternative to Docker. However, its learning curve and compatibility issues may make it less accessible to some users, and its daemonless mode may limit its suitability for large-scale production environments.

Steps to configure Podman:

To configure Podman, you need to follow these steps:

• Install Podman on your machine if you still need to do so. Podman is available for most Linux distributions and can be installed using your package manager or the Podman GitHub page. 

• Open a terminal and enter the following command to start the Podman daemon: 

" sudo podman system service --time=0 " 

• Enter the following command to verify that the Podman daemon is running: 

" sudo podman info "

• (Optional) Customize the Podman configuration by creating a file named "containers.conf" in the following directory: /etc/containers/. This file can configure various settings related to Podman, such as the default registry, storage options, and more.

• (Optional) If you are using Podman with Kubernetes, you can configure Podman to use the same network namespace as the Kubernetes cluster by setting the following environment variable:

• Save your changes and exit the terminal.

By following these steps, you can configure Podman and take advantage of its advanced features for running containers on Linux.

3.Skopeo

Skopeo is a powerful command-line tool for copying and inspecting container images across different container image registries.

Pros:

1. Cross-registry compatibility: Skopeo supports many container image registries, including Docker Hub, Red Hat Quay, Google Container Registry, and more.
2. Flexible copying options: With Skopeo, you can copy images between registries, save images to a local file, or even copy images directly to a running container.
3. High-speed image transfers: Skopeo can perform parallel image transfers, reducing transfer times for large images.
4. Comprehensive image inspection: Skopeo provides various options for inspecting container images, including image metadata, layer information, and more.
5. Security-focused: Skopeo is designed with security in mind, allowing you to verify the authenticity of images before copying or running them.

Cons:

1. Limited graphical user interface (GUI): Skopeo is primarily a command-line tool, so users who prefer a GUI may need help.
2. Steep learning curve: Skopeo can be challenging for those who need to become more familiar with the command line.
3. Limited configuration options: While Skopeo provides many opportunities for copying and inspecting images, it has narrow options for customizing its behavior.

Overall, Skopeo is a helpful tool for container image management, especially for advanced users comfortable with the command line. Its cross-registry compatibility and high-speed image transfers make it an ideal tool for managing large-scale container deployments. However, its limited GUI and steep learning curve may be challenging for some users.

Step to configure Skopeo:

To configure Skopeo, you need to follow these steps:

• Install Skopeo on your machine if you haven't already done so. Skopeo is available for most Linux distributions and can be installed using your package manager or the Skopeo GitHub page.
• Open a terminal and enter the following command to verify that Skopeo is installed and working: " skopeo --version "
• (Optional) If you plan to use Skopeo to copy images between registries, you must create a configuration file containing your registry credentials. This file is usually located in ~/.docker/config.json. You can create this file by running the following command: 

" mkdir -p ~/.docker

echo '{ "auths": { "registry.example.com": { "auth": "dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQ=" } } }' > ~/.docker/config.json " 

• Replace "registry.example.com" with the URL of your registry, and "dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQ=" with your base64-encoded credentials (in the form "username:password").

• (Optional) If you plan to use Skopeo with Kubernetes, you can configure Skopeo to use the same network namespace as the Kubernetes cluster by setting the following environment 

"variable: export CNI_PATH=/var/run/multus/cni/net.d"

• Save your changes and exit the terminal.

By following these steps, you can configure Skopeo and take advantage of its powerful features for copying and inspecting container images across different container image registries.

4. LXD 

LXD is a container hypervisor designed for running Linux containers.

Pros:

1. Simple installation and setup: LXD can be easily installed using your Linux distribution package manager, and its configuration is straightforward.
2. High performance: LXD provides low-latency and high-throughput container operations, making it ideal for production workloads.
3. Secure: LXD offers a variety of security features, including unprivileged containers, secure boot, and AppArmor profiles.
4. Extensible: LXD supports a variety of container types, including unprivileged, privileged, and unmanaged containers. It also offers integration with Kubernetes and OpenStack.
5. Easy management: LXD provides an intuitive and user-friendly web interface for managing containers, including container creation, image management, and monitoring.

Cons:

1. Limited platform support: LXD is currently only available on Linux and requires a Linux kernel with support for cgroups and namespaces.
2. Limited ecosystem: While LXD can run many Linux containers, it has limited compatibility with containers built on other platforms or using other container runtimes.
3. Steep learning curve: LXD can be challenging to use for users who need to become more familiar with the command line or container technology.
4. Limited portability: LXD's architecture is tightly coupled to the host operating system, making it challenging to move containers between hosts.

LXD is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance, secure, and easy-to-use container hypervisor for running Linux containers. However, some users may be concerned with its limited platform support, ecosystem, and portability. If you are new to container technology or prefer a more portable solution, other container technologies like Docker or Kubernetes may be a better choice.

5. Builddah

Buildah is a command-line tool for building and managing Linux containers. 

Pros:

1. Easy to use: Buildah provides a simple and easy-to-use command-line interface for building and managing containers.
2. Lightweight: Buildah has a small footprint and is designed to be a lightweight alternative to other container tools.
3. Secure: Buildah includes various security features, such as user namespaces, seccomp filtering, and rootless builds.
4. Flexible: Buildah supports various container image formats and can build containers from scratch using Dockerfiles or importing images from other registries.
5. Integration: Buildah can be integrated with other container tools and runtimes, such as Kubernetes and OpenShift.

Cons:

1. Limited functionality: Buildah is designed primarily for building and managing containers and only offers a few of the advanced features found in other container tools, such as orchestration and scheduling.
2. Limited ecosystem: While Buildah can run many Linux containers, it has limited compatibility with containers built on other platforms or using other container runtimes.
3. Steep learning curve: Buildah can be challenging to use for users who are not familiar with the command line or container technology.
4. Limited community support: Buildah is a relatively new tool and may have a different level of community support than other container tools like Docker or Kubernetes.

Buildah is an excellent choice for users looking for a lightweight, secure, and flexible tool for building and managing containers. However, some users may be concerned with its limited functionality, ecosystem, and community support. If you require advanced features or are looking for a more established tool with a larger community, other container technologies like Docker or Kubernetes may be better.

Top Docker Desktop Alternatives 

1. MiniKube

Minikube is an open-source tool used to run a single-node Kubernetes cluster on a local machine for testing and development purposes. Here's a brief review of Minikube:

Pros:

• Minikube is easy to install and use, making it an excellent choice for developers who want to spin up a local Kubernetes environment quickly.
• It allows users to test their applications in an environment resembling a production cluster without needing a dedicated infrastructure.
• Minikube supports various Kubernetes features, such as add-ons and volumes, making it a versatile tool for development and testing.
• It can run on various operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it accessible to many users.
• It supports multiple hypervisors, including VirtualBox, Hyper-V, and KVM, allowing users to choose their preferred virtualization technology.

Cons:

• Minikube is limited to running a single-node cluster, meaning it may need to accurately reflect the performance and scalability of a multi-node cluster.
• It can be resource-intensive, especially when running on a machine with limited resources, as it requires a virtual machine to run in the background.
• It may only support some Kubernetes features and add-ons, which could be a limitation for some users who require specific functionality.
• Minikube is primarily designed for testing and development purposes and may not be suitable for running production workloads.

Overall, Minikube is a helpful tool for developers who want to test their Kubernetes applications on a local machine. While it has some limitations, it provides an easy-to-use and flexible environment for testing and development purposes.

2. Rancher Desktop

Rancher Desktop is a Kubernetes development environment that provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for managing and deploying Kubernetes clusters on a local machine. Here's a brief review of Rancher Desktop:

Pros:

• Rancher Desktop provides a user-friendly interface for managing and deploying Kubernetes clusters, making it an excellent choice for developers who are new to Kubernetes or those who want to streamline their workflow.
• It supports multiple Kubernetes distributions, including Kubernetes, K3s, and Rio, allowing users to choose their preferred distribution.
• It has built-in tools for managing and deploying applications, making testing and developing applications in a Kubernetes environment easy.
• Rancher Desktop is lightweight and fast, requiring minimal resources to run on a local machine.
• It supports advanced features such as Helm charts and Istio, making it a versatile tool for development and testing.

Cons:

• Rancher Desktop is primarily designed for development and testing purposes and may not be suitable for running production workloads.
• It may only support some Kubernetes features and add-ons, which could be a limitation for some users who require specific functionality.
• It has limited support for Windows operating systems, which may concern users who prefer to develop on Windows machines.
• The user interface can be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with Kubernetes, requiring some initial learning curve.

Overall, Rancher Desktop is an excellent tool for developers who want to manage and deploy Kubernetes clusters on a local machine. While it has some limitations, it provides a user-friendly and lightweight environment for testing and development purposes. It is an excellent choice for developers new to Kubernetes or those who want to streamline their workflow.

3. Kubernetes (K8)

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system that automates containerized applications' deployment, scaling, and management.

Pros :

• Scalability: Kubernetes allows for easy scaling of applications, both up and down, to handle changes in traffic and usage patterns.
• Portability: Kubernetes is platform-agnostic, which means that applications developed on Kubernetes can run on any infrastructure, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
• Resiliency: Kubernetes has built-in self-healing capabilities that help ensure the high availability of applications even in the event of hardware or software failures.
• Flexibility: Kubernetes has a vast ecosystem of add-ons, plugins, and tools that provide developers with flexibility and customizability.

Cons :

• Complexity: Kubernetes has a steep learning curve and can be complex to set up and manage, particularly for smaller teams without dedicated DevOps personnel.
• Overhead: Kubernetes can require significant overhead in terms of resource usage, management, and maintenance, which can lead to increased costs.
• Resource usage: Kubernetes requires a significant amount of computing resources to run effectively, which can be a challenge for smaller organizations with limited infrastructure.