Overview
This article provides a guide on how to download Docker Desktop and an overview of its usage on macOS.
(Sorry, Windows users, this one's for macOS!)
What is Docker?
To explain the often-heard term "Docker" in simple terms, I asked ChatGPT to provide a concise description:
Docker is essentially a convenient container that allows you to run applications anywhere.
An example with cooking:
When making curry, you need a recipe, ingredients, spices, and cooking utensils. However, if you try to make curry at a friend’s house, you might run into issues like, "The pot is different" or "The spices are missing," which could prevent you from making the curry exactly the same way.
Docker solves this problem!
Imagine packing everything you need to make curry (the recipe, ingredients, and cooking utensils) into one box. This way, no matter whose house you're at, you can open the box and make the same curry.
What does this mean in the tech world?
To run an application, you need not just the program but also a specific environment (settings, software, etc.) for it to operate.
Usually, if the environment is different, the application might not work. But with Docker, you can bundle:
- The application
- All necessary settings and software
into one container (the "box"). With this, you can run the application on any computer or server simply by "opening the box."
Why use Docker?
- Portability: Easily share your application with others or deploy it to different computers or servers.
- Consistency: Eliminate the "It works here but not there!" problem.
- Efficiency: Run multiple containers (applications) on a single computer simultaneously.
How is Docker used in practice?
- Developers use Docker to set up environments for apps like movie streaming or music playback.
- It helps streamline workflows for creating websites and mobile apps.
Docker makes it possible to run your app on a server or someone else’s PC just by bringing this handy container to the new environment. Isn’t that amazing?
Download Docker Desktop
Let’s download Docker Desktop, the tool that allows you to work with Docker on your PC.
Go to the Docker Desktop website and click the "Download Docker Desktop" button to download the version suitable for your operating system. If you are unsure whether your Mac uses an Intel chip or Apple Silicon, you can check by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "About This Mac."


In this case, since we're using an Apple M3 chip, select "Apple Silicon." If you're using an Intel chip, "Intel" should be listed under the "Chip" section.
Once you've downloaded it, let's launch it right away!
Docker Desktop Screen
When you start Docker Desktop, you should see a screen like the one below.

Pay attention to the menu on the left-hand side. Here's a quick summary of its contents:
Containers | 起動中のDockerコンテナが確認可能 |
Images | View the images of Docker containers that you've created or downloaded. Docker images are like templates that bundle applications along with the necessary software and settings for them to run. Containers are created based on these images. |
Volumes | A mechanism to persistently save and share data between containers and the host. By default, when a container stops, any files saved inside it are deleted. However, by setting up volumes, you can avoid this. Even if a container is deleted, the data remains intact, making it useful for saving databases or configuration files. |
About Docker Commands
While you can start containers from Docker Desktop, it's common practice to use Docker commands for starting/stopping containers and performing other operations. You can find a list of Docker commands through the link below:
To execute Docker commands, make sure Docker Desktop is running.
That’s a brief overview of Docker and how to download Docker Desktop. It can be challenging to understand everything at once, so take your time to gradually deepen your understanding.
As a hands-on resource, here are some articles to get started: