Docker and Docker Desktop are two distinct entities in the realm of containerization technology.

Docker is an open-source service that enables the execution of containers on a Linux kernel.

In contrast, Docker Desktop is a commercial graphical user interface (GUI) tool designed to facilitate the management of container configurations.

It is particularly essential for Mac and Windows systems, as they lack an inherent Linux kernel.

Docker Desktop employs a Linux virtual machine (VM) to operate the Docker daemon and handles the establishment and dismantling of lightweight VMs using Hyperkit on macOS and Hyper-V on Windows.

By providing a convenient interface for executing, listing, and modifying container configurations, Docker Desktop serves as a crucial tool for developers seeking to utilize Docker on non-Linux platforms.

It effectively bridges the gap between non-Linux systems and Docker, streamlining the development and deployment processes of applications that employ Docker.

Consequently, Docker Desktop enhances the user experience and offers a reliable and efficient means of executing Docker containers on Mac and Windows systems.

Docker vs Docker Desktop

Docker and Docker Desktop differ in their functionality.

Docker is an open-source service that runs containers on a Linux kernel.

Docker Desktop is a commercial GUI tool that provides a convenient interface for managing container configurations on non-Linux systems, such as Mac and Windows, by utilizing a Linux virtual machine.

Docker is designed to run on Linux systems natively, as they already have a Linux kernel.

On the other hand, Docker Desktop is necessary for Mac and Windows operating systems, which lack a built-in Linux kernel.

Docker Desktop handles the setup and teardown of lightweight virtual machines using Hyper-V on Windows and Hyperkit on macOS.

Docker Desktop simplifies the installation and setup process for Docker on non-Linux systems, bridging the gap between non-Linux systems and Docker.

It enhances the user experience of Docker on Mac and Windows platforms.

Docker: Running containers on Linux

Running containers on a Linux system involves deploying lightweight virtual environments that utilize the Linux kernel. Docker, an open-source service, allows users to run containers on a Linux kernel.

It provides a platform for developers to create, deploy, and manage applications using containerization technology. Docker enables isolation of applications and their dependencies, ensuring consistency across different environments.

By leveraging the Linux kernel’s capabilities, Docker achieves efficient resource utilization and high performance. It simplifies the process of packaging and distributing applications, making them portable and easily deployable on any Linux system.

Docker also provides a robust ecosystem of tools and features, such as container networking and storage management, to enhance the overall containerization experience on Linux systems.

Overall, Docker empowers developers to harness the benefits of containerization on Linux, enabling efficient and scalable application deployment.

Docker Desktop: GUI tool for managing containers

The Docker Desktop application serves as a graphical user interface (GUI) tool for efficiently managing container configurations. It provides users with a convenient interface for running, listing, and editing container configurations.

Docker Desktop is primarily used on Mac and Windows operating systems, as they do not have a built-in Linux kernel necessary for running Docker containers. To bridge this gap, Docker Desktop uses a Linux virtual machine (VM) on Mac and Windows.

The Linux VM handles the setup and teardown of lightweight VMs using Hyper-V on Windows and Hyperkit on macOS. It runs the Docker daemon and is responsible for managing the VMs on both Windows and macOS.

Docker Desktop simplifies the installation and setup process for Docker on non-Linux systems. It enhances the user experience and enables developers to run Docker containers without needing a Linux host.

Docker Desktop is a commercial tool that is free to use, but licenses may be required for commercial developments.