It’s now been a few weeks since we launched the brand new Docker DX extension for Visible Studio Code. This launch displays a deeper collaboration between Docker and Microsoft to raised assist builders constructing containerized purposes.
Over the previous few weeks, you’ll have observed some modifications to your Docker extension in VS Code. We wish to take a second to clarify what’s taking place—and the place we’re headed subsequent.
What’s Altering?
The unique Docker extension in VS Code is being migrated to the brand new Container Instruments extension, maintained by Microsoft. It’s designed to make it simpler to construct, handle, and deploy containers—streamlining the container improvement expertise immediately inside VS Code.
As a part of this partnership, it was determined to bundle the brand new Docker DX extension with the prevailing Docker extension, in order that it will set up robotically to make the method seamless.
Whereas the automated set up was meant to simplify the expertise, we notice it could have caught some customers off guard. To offer extra readability and selection, the following launch will make Docker DX Extension an opt-in set up, supplying you with full management over when and the way you wish to use it.
What’s New from Docker?
Docker is introducing the brand new Docker DX extension, targeted on delivering a best-in-class authoring expertise for Dockerfiles, Compose information, and Bake information
Key options embody:
- Dockerfile linting: Get construct warnings and best-practice strategies immediately from BuildKit and Buildx—so you possibly can catch points early, proper inside your editor.
- Picture vulnerability remediation (experimental): Robotically flag references to container photographs with recognized vulnerabilities, immediately in your Dockerfiles.
- Bake file assist: Get pleasure from code completion, variable navigation, and inline strategies when authoring Bake information—together with the flexibility to generate targets primarily based in your Dockerfile phases.
- Compose file define: Simply navigate and perceive complicated Compose information with a brand new define view within the editor.
Higher Collectively
These two extensions are designed to work side-by-side, supplying you with the very best of each worlds:
- Highly effective tooling to construct, handle, and deploy your containers
- Good, contextual authoring assist for Dockerfiles, Compose information, and Bake information
And the very best half? Each extensions are free and absolutely open supply.
Thank You for Your Persistence
We all know modifications like this may be disruptive. Whereas our aim was to make the transition as seamless as doable, we acknowledge that the strategy prompted some confusion, and we sincerely apologize for the dearth of early communication.
The groups at Docker and Microsoft are dedicated to delivering the very best container improvement expertise doable—and that is just the start.
The place Docker DX is Going Subsequent
At Docker, we’re happy with the contributions we’ve made to the container ecosystem, together with Dockerfiles, Compose, and Bake.
We’re dedicated to making sure the very best expertise when modifying these information in your IDE, with prompt suggestions when you work.
Right here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:
- Expanded Dockerfile checks: Extra best-practice validations, actionable suggestions, and steering—surfaced proper whenever you want them.
- Stronger safety insights: Deeper visibility into vulnerabilities throughout your Dockerfiles, Compose information, and Bake configurations.
- Improved debugging and troubleshooting: Quickly, you’ll be capable of reside debug Docker builds—step by way of your Dockerfile line-by-line, examine the filesystem at every stage, see what’s cached, and troubleshoot points sooner.
We Need Your Suggestions!
Your suggestions is vital in serving to us enhance the Docker DX extension and your general container improvement expertise.
If you happen to encounter any points or have concepts for enhancements you’d wish to see, please tell us:
- Open a difficulty on the Docker DX VS Code extension GitHub repo
- Or submit suggestions by way of the Docker suggestions web page
We’re listening and excited to maintain making issues higher for you!
