Question 1

How do I install Docker CLI on Linux?

Accepted Answer

Docker CLI is usually installed as part of the Docker Engine package. For Ubuntu, use `sudo apt-get install docker.io` or follow the official Docker installation docs for your distribution. Standalone CLI installs are possible but less common and may require manual downloads.

Question 2

What's the difference between Docker CLI and Docker Desktop?

Accepted Answer

Docker CLI is the command-line tool for interacting with Docker Engine, while Docker Desktop bundles the CLI with a GUI, additional tools, and simplified setup for macOS and Windows. Docker Desktop is more user-friendly but heavier and platform-specific.

Question 3

Can I use Docker CLI without Docker Engine?

Accepted Answer

No, Docker CLI depends on Docker Engine to manage containers; it communicates via the Docker API. If you need a daemonless alternative, consider tools like Podman, which offer similar CLI commands but operate independently.

Question 4

How to build a Docker image from source using the CLI?

Accepted Answer

Use the `docker build` command with a Dockerfile—for example, `docker build -t myimage .` builds from the current directory. The README also shows building the CLI itself using `docker buildx bake` for development purposes.

Question 5

Docker CLI vs Podman CLI: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Docker CLI is the standard for Docker ecosystems, offering wide compatibility and plugin support. Podman CLI is daemonless and rootless, making it more secure and lightweight, but has a smaller ecosystem. Choose based on whether you prioritize Docker integration or runtime flexibility.

Question 6

How to extend Docker CLI with custom plugins?

Accepted Answer

Use the `docker plugin` command to install or manage plugins. You can develop custom plugins using Docker's plugin SDK, which allows adding features like specialized volume drivers or network interfaces, though documentation is sparse for advanced use.

Docker/CLI

What is Docker/CLI?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions