Installing Docker on Mac or VirtualBox

Docker has become a popular tool among developers and IT professionals, offering a way to create lightweight and portable containers that can run applications efficiently. Before diving into the installation process, let's take a step back and explore some fundamental concepts surrounding Docker.

At its core, Docker is built around two main components: Docker Engine and Docker Inc. Docker Engine is the technology behind Docker, allowing you to create and manage containers. Docker Inc., on the other hand, is a USA-based company that develops software products aimed at making it easier to develop, test, and run applications in containers.

For those new to Docker, understanding these terms can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to grasp the basics before moving forward. In this article, we'll provide a brief overview of what Docker means for developers, IT professionals, and organizations.

Docker offers both free and paid versions of its products. While Docker Desktop is a paid product with a $5 per user/month starter pricing, Docker Inc. has announced that it will no longer remain a free product for large organizations. This change may cause concern for some companies, particularly those with revenue exceeding $10 million.

Despite this shift, there are still ways to use Docker without paying for Docker Desktop. For example, developers and IT professionals can continue using containers, the core technology behind Docker, without having to pay for Docker Desktop. Docker Inc. has made it clear that it will monetize its product, but it's essential to understand what is free and what requires payment.

In this article, we'll explore how you can run Docker without Docker Desktop on your Mac or VirtualBox machine. We'll also discuss the implications of these changes for developers, IT professionals, and organizations. Whether you're new to Docker or an experienced user, this guide will walk you through the process of installing and using Docker without paying for Docker Desktop.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it means to install and use Docker on your Mac or VirtualBox machine without paying for Docker Desktop. So, let's get started!

Installing docker on mac or virtualbox