As we speak, we’re excited to announce the discharge of a brand new, open-source Docker Language Server and Docker DX VS Code extension. In a joint collaboration between Docker and the Microsoft Container Instruments staff, this new integration enhances the prevailing Docker extension with improved Dockerfile linting, inline picture vulnerability checks, Docker Bake file assist, and descriptions for Docker Compose information. By working straight with Microsoft, we’re making certain a local, high-performance expertise that enhances the prevailing developer workflow. It’s the subsequent evolution of Docker tooling in VS Code — constructed that can assist you transfer quicker, catch points earlier, and concentrate on what issues most: constructing nice software program.
What’s the Docker DX extension?
The Docker DX extension is concentrated on offering builders with quicker suggestions as they edit. Whether or not you’re authoring a posh Compose file or fine-tuning a Dockerfile, the extension surfaces related ideas, validations, and warnings in actual time.
Key options embody:
- Dockerfile linting: Get construct warnings and best-practice ideas straight from BuildKit and Buildx.
- Picture vulnerability remediation (experimental): Flags references to container pictures with recognized vulnerabilities straight in Dockerfiles.
- Bake file assist: Contains code completion, variable navigation, and inline ideas for producing targets based mostly in your Dockerfile levels.
- Compose file define: Simply navigate complicated Compose information with an overview view within the editor.
In the event you’re already utilizing the Docker VS Code extension, the brand new options are included — simply replace the extension and begin utilizing them!
Dockerfile linting and vulnerability remediation
The inline Dockerfile linting supplies warnings and best-practice steerage for writing Dockerfiles from the specialists at Docker, powered by Construct Checks. Potential vulnerabilities are highlighted straight within the editor with context about their severity and affect, powered by Docker Scout.

Determine 1: Offering actionable suggestions for fixing vulnerabilities and optimizing Dockerfiles
Early suggestions straight in Dockerfiles retains you targeted and saves you and your staff time debugging and remediating later.
Docker Bake information
The Docker DX extension makes authoring and modifying Docker Bake information fast and simple. It supplies code completion, code navigation, and error reporting to make modifying Bake information a breeze. The extension will even take a look at your Dockerfile and counsel Bake targets based mostly on the construct levels you’ve gotten outlined in your Dockerfile.

Determine 2: Modifying Bake information is straightforward and intuitive with the wealthy language options that the Docker DX extension supplies.

Determine 3: Creating new Bake information is easy as your Dockerfile’s construct levels are analyzed and instructed as Bake targets.
Compose outlines
Rapidly navigate complicated Compose information with the extension’s assist for outlines obtainable straight via VS Code’s command palette.

Determine 4: Navigate complicated Compose information with the define panel.
Don’t use VS Code? Attempt the Language Server!
The options provided by the Docker DX extension are powered by the brand-new Docker Language Server, constructed on the Language Server Protocol (LSP). This implies the identical sensible modifying expertise — like real-time suggestions, validation, and ideas for Dockerfiles, Compose, and Bake information — is offered in your favourite editor.
Wrapping up
Set up the extension from Docker DX – Visible Studio Market in the present day! The performance can also be robotically put in with the prevailing Docker VS Code extension from Microsoft.
Share your suggestions on the way it’s working for you, and share what options you’d prefer to see subsequent. In the event you’d prefer to study extra or contribute to the mission, take a look at our GitHub repo.