Docker Desktop Lands on Linux: Features, Extensions, and Pricing Controversy

What is Docker Desktop?

Docker Desktop is an easy-to-install integrated development environment for Docker containers. It bundles the Docker Engine, Docker CLI, Docker Compose, Docker Content Trust, Kubernetes, and a Credential Helper, enabling developers to build and share containerized applications and micro-services, often alongside tools such as Kubernetes, BuildKit, and vulnerability scanners.

Why build Docker Desktop for Linux?

Provide a consistent Docker experience across all major operating systems.

Give Linux users immediate access to new features, such as Docker Extensions, previously limited to Windows and macOS.

Offer seamless Kubernetes integration.

Make managing volumes, containers, and images easier through a UI that provides insight into the local Docker daemon.

Docker also released Docker Extensions and the Docker Extension SDK Beta, allowing developers to create new functionality, extend existing features, and integrate other tools directly into Docker Desktop.

Docker CEO Scott Johnston said the extensions help developers quickly discover and use the tools they need without spending time searching, downloading, configuring, evaluating, and managing them.

Fourteen partners, including JFrog, Red Hat, Snyk, and VMware, have already supported Docker Extensions.

Controversial Docker

Docker’s recent shift to a subscription model has sparked criticism. Companies with more than 250 employees or annual revenue over $10 million must purchase a paid subscription to use Docker Desktop, with the lowest Pro tier costing $5 per user per month.

Many developers worry this move may drive users toward open-source alternatives.

Docker Desktop for Linux is available as .deb and .rpm packages for Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, and can be tried via the official documentation.