Docker is an Open Source platform that enables developers to create, deploy and run applications in containers. These containers include all the necessary components, such as code, runtime, system tools, libraries and settings. This allows the application to run consistently and reliably in any environment. A text file called “Dockerfile” is used to specify instructions to create an executable Docker image (container). Docker is used by researchers, for example, to encapsulate data analyses including data and code in one environment and thus make them reproducible.

With Docker Desktop, all components are available for local installation on your computer. Docker also offers a service for managing and sharing existing Docker images, called Docker Hub, which itself is not Open Source.