Docker

Container platform to build, ship, and run applications anywhere

From $0/mo

About Docker

Docker introduced the container paradigm that transformed how software is built and deployed. Docker Engine runs containers on Linux, macOS, and Windows, while Docker Compose orchestrates multi-container applications with a single YAML file. Docker Hub provides the world's largest container image registry with millions of official and community images. Docker Desktop offers a GUI-based experience for local development with integrated Kubernetes. The Docker ecosystem underpins virtually all modern cloud-native workflows — from local development parity to production Kubernetes clusters. In 2022, Docker restructured its pricing, making Docker Desktop free for individuals and small teams but requiring paid subscriptions for larger organizations.

Key Features

Container engine for Linux, macOS, and Windows

Docker Compose for multi-container orchestration

Docker Hub registry with millions of public images

Docker Desktop GUI with integrated Kubernetes

Layer-based image caching for fast builds

Docker Scout for image vulnerability scanning

Dev Environments for shareable development setups

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Absolute industry standard — universal developer knowledge and tooling support
• Eliminates 'works on my machine' problems with environment parity
• Massive Docker Hub ecosystem means most software has an official image
• Docker Compose drastically simplifies local multi-service development

Cons

• Docker Desktop requires paid license for companies over 250 employees or $10M revenue
• Container networking complexity can be a steep learning curve
• Image sizes can bloat if Dockerfiles aren't carefully optimized
• Not suitable for all workloads — stateful apps require careful volume management

Best For

Development teams standardizing local environments DevOps engineers building CI/CD pipelines Teams deploying to Kubernetes or cloud container services Developers needing reproducible, isolated service dependencies