Docker Tools
Docker is more than a webservice that manages docker images. While it is that, it’s also a tool used to create and manage images and containers. (even the tutorial walked you through downloading an image, building the image, running the image, and even sharing the image). Here is a summary of the tools
- Docker Desktop – this is that program you saw in the system tray. It gives you a list of containers and images that are installed on your computer.
- Docker Client – this is a program that runs from a DOS Window! Actually, most of your work is done in a DOS window. The docker client is a windows 32, that ties all of the docker services together.
- Docker Compose - this is a command that will create / update / start - multiple containers with one command. It’s a good way to keep things current. It requires a YAML file to hold a set of instructions to build things.
- Docker Kitematic – This was covered briefly in the Pluralsight Training Video, it attempts to replicate the Docker client with a windows tool. The demo looked nice but the Pluralsight trainer mentioned it has ceilings, and in the long term you’ll want to learn the docker client. Actually, you must download this tool before you can use it.
- Docker Machine – this is a legacy tool used by Windows 7 and other historic operating systems. It is no longer included with Docker desktop.
From a programmers perspective, you could say there are a minimum of 3 sets of languages to learn.
- Docker client (aka CLI) – The numerous commands and switches to run and manage docker
- DockerFile – these at statements contained in a text file used to build a docker image.
- DockerCompose - a YAML file, used to setup a script that creates multiple docker containers.