For the last 10+ years, Docker has been one of the leading technology tools for helping developers build, run, update, and manage containers. It is one of the most widely used containerization tools available, able to work with Linux, Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, and all of the leading cloud service providers. With over 20 million monthly users, you’ve likely used Docker before, whether for your own projects or as part of a larger team.
In your experience using Docker, you may have used Docker Engine, the runtime for building and running containers. But you also may have used Docker Desktop, which continues to grow in usage, with over 16.2 million downloads and more than 4.7 million installations. Docker Desktop is an application available for Mac or Windows and includes many features, including Docker Engine, Docker CLI Client, Docker Compose, access to Docker Hub, and more.
One feature of Docker Desktop you might not be as aware of or familiar with is Docker Extensions. These extensions enable you to use third-party tools inside Docker Desktop to add functionality — from showing real-time CPU and memory usage of containers to software for managing archery tournaments.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some popular Docker Desktop extensions and how these extensions can help enhance your containerized environments
Docker Desktop Extensions are purpose-built tools that allow you to use third-party technology directly from your Docker Desktop. They add additional functionality to Docker Desktop’s existing features, like debugging, testing, security, and more. Some of these extensions have been built by established providers, like Grafana, RedHat, and Kong, while others are custom-built by independent developers. There are almost 100 available extensions covering a wide range of capabilities.
Like any extension (including Kong plugins), Docker Desktop Extensions layer additional capabilities onto the core product’s features. For example, while Docker Desktop already enables users to manage containers, applications, and images in your environment, Extensions increase functionality to allow users to connect directly to other tools, enhance container monitoring and management, bridge into Kubernetes clusters, scan images for vulnerabilities, and more. The benefit is that you can get more out of Docker Desktop, without leaving the application.
Using Docker Desktop Extensions is easy. You’ll need to launch Docker Desktop (which you can download directly from docker.com, if you don’t already have it downloaded). On the left-hand menu, there’s a section for Extensions, where you can browse and add new Extensions. Once you’ve selected the Extension you’d like to use, you’ll simply install and open to get started. Some extensions may need to connect to an additional tool, so for those, you’ll need to log into your account or create an account for that tool.
Now that you’ve learned all about Docker Desktop Extensions, let’s look at a few popular extensions to get started. These are just a few of the existing Extensions, but they connect with technology you are likely already familiar with. For each, we’ll share a general overview of the extension, what it does, and why it might benefit you.
The Kong Konnect extension lets you easily create and manage API gateways directly within Docker Desktop. You can then add authentication, rate-limiting, logging, and more to an API in just a few minutes. With the Docker Desktop extension, you can easily launch an API gateway in a container — although Kong Konnect allows you to deploy data planes in multiple environments, including the cloud.
The Snyk Container extension lets you scan any remote or local images and detect any vulnerabilities they may contain. The benefit is that you can identify the highest-risk images to address and create new images that have built-in security. Because it’s a direct extension of your existing Docker Desktop environment, it’s a simple way to test and identify vulnerabilities in the GUI. This helps you stay ahead of any threats and feel confident that you’ve secured all of your images.
The Grafana Docker Desktop extension is a great tool for monitoring your Docker Desktop instance from within your existing Grafana Cloud. Once you connect your Docker Desktop instance to your Grafana Cloud instance, this extension will send metrics and logs from Docker to the cloud for easy monitoring. The Grafana Docker Desktop Extension also enables easy visualization for Docker monitoring and logs.
The Portainer extension is a GUI-based container management tool that runs within your Docker Desktop instance. This extension brings all of the functionality of Portainer, including the ability to see all running containers, view container logs, easily deploy code into containers, and turn YAML into custom templates, right within the Docker Desktop. It makes container management easy, no matter the complexity of your environment.
The RedHat OpenShift extension brings the ability to deploy and test apps directly into Docker Desktop. It includes capabilities like detection of Kubernetes environments, listing projects (namespace), and selecting and deploying container images. If you’re already using OpenShit and Docker Desktop, this extension will make it even easier to use them together, all from within your Docker Desktop.
Q: Are Docker Desktop Extensions free to use?
A: Extensions are free to install and are free to use. However, some may connect to tools that require payment to access certain features.
Q: How do I install Docker Desktop Extensions?
A: You can install Docker Desktop Extensions within Docker Desktop. Docker Desktop is easy to install from their website.
Q: Can I create my own Docker Desktop Extension?
A: Yes! Have an extension need that isn’t already being served? You can build your own Extension from Docker Desktop and submit it to their marketplace.
Q: Do Docker Desktop Extensions work on all operating systems?
A: Docker Desktop can be installed on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Since Docker Desktop Extensions run from within Docker Desktop, you can use them on whichever operating system you use.
Q: Can I use multiple Docker Desktop Extensions simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can run multiple Docker Desktop Extensions at the same time. They will all be listed in the Extensions section on the left-hand side of your Docker Desktop GUI.
Q: How do I update my Docker Desktop Extensions?
A: You can manage Docker Desktop Extensions from within your Docker Desktop instance. Next to Extensions, there will be a three-dot menu that allows you to Browse, Manage, and Build.
Q: Are there any limitations to what Docker Desktop Extensions can do?
A: Docker Desktop Extensions are all connected to the functionality of Docker Desktop, so are generally related to containers. However, there are a wide range of different types of extensions and since you can build your own, there are few limitations.
Docker Desktop Extensions have so many use cases and a significant ability to expand the functionality of Docker’s existing capabilities. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your workflow and enhance the projects you’re already working on. And because Docker Desktop Extensions can easily integrate with popular tools you may already be using, it’s easy to start exploring and experimenting with the extensions we’ve shared. Whether you’re using Docker Desktop to manage your APIs or to enhance your vulnerability monitoring, there’s a whole world of Docker Desktop extensions to help make your workflow even easier.
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