The most important Docker extensions for an optimized development experience

Docker extensions are a way to extend Docker Desktop with additional functionality. You can seamlessly integrate third-party tools into your application development and deployment workflows and extend Docker Desktop with debugging, testing, security, and networking features. You can also create custom add-ons using the Extensions SDK.

Here are some of the most important Docker extensions and what they do:

  1. Docker Compose: Docker Compose is a tool for defining and running multi-container applications. With Docker Compose you can create and configure an application from multiple containers.
  2. Docker Machine: Docker Machine is a tool for creating Docker hosts on your local computer or in the cloud. Docker Machine lets you deploy Docker hosts on virtual machines, bare metal servers, or in the cloud.
  3. Docker Swarm: Docker Swarm is a tool for clustering Docker containers. With Docker Swarm you can combine multiple Docker hosts into a single virtual Docker host.
  4. Docker Registry: Docker Registry is a tool for storing and distributing Docker images. Docker Registry allows you to store and distribute your own Docker images.
  5. Docker Scout: Docker Scout is a tool for scanning Docker images for security vulnerabilities. With Docker Security Scanning you can make sure that your Docker images are secure.
  6. Docker Desktop Enterprise: Docker Desktop Enterprise is an enhanced version of Docker Desktop with additional enterprise-grade features. Docker Desktop Enterprise includes features such as single sign-on (SSO), advanced networking, and enhanced security features.
  7. Docker Desktop Developer Tools: Docker Desktop Developer Tools is a collection of tools for developers using Docker Desktop. Docker Desktop Developer Tools includes tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git, and Kubernetes.
  8. Docker Desktop Kubernetes: Docker Desktop Kubernetes is an integration of Kubernetes into Docker Desktop. With Docker Desktop Kubernetes you can deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters on your local computers.
  9. Docker Desktop Helm: Docker Desktop Helm is a tool for managing Kubernetes charts. Docker Desktop Helm allows you to install and manage Kubernetes charts on your local machine.
  10. Docker Desktop VS Code Extension: The Docker Desktop VS Code Extension is an extension for Visual Studio Code that allows you to create and manage Docker containers directly from Visual Studio Code.

Docker extensions can greatly enhance your Docker development experience by providing additional features and tools.