dockerlxc-docker

Making use of docker for development: a use case


my question is little vague but I tried looking for the answer here and there but could not understand if I can leverage docker for my work. My requirements I usually try different versions of java, python and other software like different versions of eclipse, Linux package and other tools. This at the end make my Ubuntu installation a complete mess and some time completely broken. Then I started using Vm it solve most of the problem but make my pc very slow for frequent switching.

So my question can I achieve my work using docker without affecting my os? Can I run gui application, install different package without affecting underlying OS. Switch actively between different docker container and underlying os. Clean/remove unused/broken install of docker instance (containers?) etc. Any pointer to similar use case or how to would be helpful. Thanks.

Ps- if it doesn't fit for SO then please move it to where it is best fitted. Sorry for non programming question.


Solution

  • Can it be done?

    yes, there are examples of docker images that run graphical application, but running those containers might be a bit tricky. See for instance Can you run GUI apps in a docker container?

    Is Docker the right tool for your problem ?

    Maybe a package manager such as Nix would be better suited, as graphical software installed with it won't have any issue. With Nix you can install side-by-side many versions of a single software without interference.