What is Docker CE, and How is it Different from Other Versions?

What Is Docker CE?

Docker Community Edition, also known as “Docker CE,” is a completely free, open-source containerized platform, crafted around the Docker Engine. Docker CE was launched back in 2013 as an open-source platform. As expected, Docker CE offers users absolutely everything they need to craft, deploy, and run containers in various operating systems. The primary focus of Docker CE is development, testing, and smaller production environments.

Docker Community Edition comes with various fundamental components like the Docker CLI, container runtime, container isolation, networking, and image handling. The best part is that anyone can install Docker CE on supported Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, and use Docker commands to manage everything from container images to running workloads. Open-source also means regular bug fixes and security updates, and everything else a small team requires.

Did You Know❓Docker CE uses the Moby Project as part of its underlying open-source technology.

How Docker CE Works

Docker CE consists of a client and a daemon. Docker Community Edition (CE) works through a client-server architecture. So, when you enter a Docker command using the Docker CLI, it communicates with the Docker Daemon. The Docker daemon is responsible for running containers, which handles everything from building the actual images to managing storage, networking, and creating the Docker containers.

Docker CE uses kernel namespaces and cgroups for network and process isolation.

These components work together to provide a complete container runtime for running applications inside isolated environments. Instead of the software being installed directly into the host, Docker packages all that’s needed for applications to run into reusable container images. Using Linux kernel features, Docker makes these containers really lightweight, including container isolation and efficient resource allocation.

See Also: What is Docker Container: Architecture, Uses, and Benefits

A typical Docker CE workflow looks like this:

1. Create a Dockerfile for an application.
2. Build the container image with Docker.
3. Store the image locally or in a registry.
4. Use the Docker CLI to run containers.
5. Docker Engine creates an environment.
6. The container runtime boots up the app.
7. Manage, stop, restart, or erase containers.

It’s important to remember that Docker CE supports Linux, Windows, and macOS operating systems, but only through Docker Desktop. The Docker Engine runs natively only on Linux; therefore, the Docker CE installation requires adding the official APT repository.

See Also: Docker Vs Kubernetes: Which Container Platform Is Right for Your Infrastructure?

Docker CE vs. Docker EE vs. Docker Desktop

It might be quite challenging to differentiate the three names, which are in fact parts of Docker’s history and product ecosystem. It’s a bit misleading to try to compare them.

Docker Community Edition refers to the open-source Docker Engine, while Docker Desktop is simply a development application that bundles Docker Engine with additional tools. Docker Enterprise Edition was a commercial enterprise platform, which was discontinued in 2019.

The easiest way to understand the difference is to separate the container engine from the applications and enterprise products built around it:

• Docker CE: The free distribution of Docker Engine for building and running Docker containers. It is primarily installed directly on supported Linux distributions and is the best choice for developers and self-hosted workloads.
• Docker Desktop: A packaged development environment for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers Docker Engine, the Docker CLI, and Docker Compose. On Windows and macOS, it provides the environment required to run Linux containers.
• Docker EE: The former Docker Enterprise Edition, a commercial platform made for large enterprise deployments. Docker EE included enterprise management, orchestration, and security features, but is now a legacy product.

What’s interesting is that Docker CE provides community-driven support via forums and documentation. Docker CE also integrates well with CI/CD frameworks for reliable code testing and packaging, as well as receives updates quarterly for stable releases.

To clarify the difference even further, let’s take a look at the table below:

So, despite the difference in names, these products share the same core Docker technology. Docker CE refers to the free Docker version, while Docker Desktop simply packages the Docker engine with a few additional tools, making it deployable on Windows/macOS. At the same time, Docker EE was designed for large deployments with enterprise-focused add-ons included.

As of now, there are only two versions, or call it two editions, that are supported and primarily used by most organizations.

See Also: How do I install Docker on Ubuntu?

Docker Community Edition (CE): Advantages and Disadvantages

By now, it’s clear that Docker Community Edition (CE) is an amazing developer tool that provides direct access to Docker’s core container technology without the cost that comes with enterprise platforms. It provides a very straightforward way to build and run containers, while the open-source nature gives the flexibility to deploy across various operating system distributions.

However, like any platform, Docker CE also has a few limitations worth considering before you deploy it in production environments. Let’s take a look:

One of the best advantages is that Docker containers support zero-conflict dependencies, allowing side-by-side project execution. Docker CE also facilitates shorter development-to-production cycles in order to reduce deployment friction, making it a very appealing solution.

See Also: Docker Security for Small Teams: The 10 Biggest Mistakes

Docker CE Use Cases: Real-World Examples:

The reality is that Docker CE is an ideal fit for a variety of different workloads. A lightweight architecture, reusable images, and a flexible Docker CE package make it practical for teams looking to standardize how applications are built, tested, and deployed.

Let’s run you through a few real-world examples:

🔹Local Development

One of the primary Docker CE use cases is for local development, where administrators want to create a very consistent environment for apps on a local machine. This means that they won’t have to install all of the individual application pieces every time they need to test.

Developers who install Docker Desktop on Windows or macOS get access to Docker Engine through the Desktop environment, while Linux users typically install Docker Engine directly. This setup helps teams ensure compatibility between development environments.

See Also: Docker Tutorials for Beginners

🔹Testing and CI/CD

Docker CE offers great application isolation for testing before deployment. This provides a clear outlook that developers can use to assess whether a newer version is stable before production. So, running tests inside containers also reduces conflicts between dependencies and helps teams maintain consistency.

🔹Self-Hosted Apps

Docker CE also works amazingly well for self-hosted (small-scale) production workflows. Some of them include web apps, databases, monitoring tools, and many other services on Linux servers. Using Docker CE, administrators can easily deploy each service in its own container, providing ultimate isolation and control over the container size, utilization, disk usage limitations, networking, storage, and HW allocation.

Curious Fact:

Docker CE is updated quarterly, while Docker EE used to be updated weekly before it was discontinued. Also, Docker EE used to support Docker Store-certified containers or plugins for enterprise applications.

See Also: How to Choose the Right Container Hosting Provider

Deploy Docker CE Infrastructure at ServerMania

Deploy Docker CE on ServerMania Dedicated Servers or AraCloud platform and design your container infrastructure around the required hardware capabilities.

With network configurations ranging from 1 Gbps to 4 x 25 Gbps, we provide the bandwidth needed for high-volume containerized applications, enabling businesses to reduce connection issues to a minimum.

ServerMania operates top-tier data centers across Canada, North America, and Europe, providing you with flexible deployment locations for workloads serving users in different regions. For teams that need to deploy Docker CE immediately, Instant Servers offer a fast path to server provisioning and deployment.

💬If you have any questions, book a free consultation or contact our 24/7 customer support to discuss the next Docker CE deployment with an expert. We’re available to speak right now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Docker CE

Is Docker CE Available for Windows?

Docker CE itself is not available on Windows directly. Docker CE is associated with Linux, while Windows users need to run Docker Desktop to work with Linux containers. Windows containers use a completely different architecture, so checking compatibility information is advised.

Should I Use the Stable Version or Edge Version?

Since Docker CE supports both Edge and Stable versions, perhaps the stable version is almost certainly the better choice for most users who prefer predictability over raw performance.

An edge version historically provided newer features earlier, but Docker’s release model has changed, so users should check current Docker documentation before choosing a release channel.

How Do I Choose the Right Version of Docker?

The best advice here is to simply evaluate the version of Docker that the specific workflow or application requires. However, if you are running an older version, upgrading requires checking compatibility before you switch versions, as damaging a production workflow is not excluded.

Does Docker CE Have Security Features?

Docker CE provides several core security capabilities. They arise from strong container isolation, the permissions involved, namespaces, and other Linux features. However, it’s strongly recommended to also use vulnerability scanning for container images before deployment.

Does Docker CE Require Virtualization?

Docker Engine running natively on Linux does not require nested virtualization because containers share the host Linux kernel. Virtualization enters the picture when you run Docker Desktop on systems where Docker uses a Linux virtual machine.

What Does the Docker CE Package Include?

The package provided for Docker Engine includes the components required to use the Docker core features, including the daemon and Docker CLI. During the installation process, users should follow the instructions for their Linux distribution and verify the installed version afterward.