Docker Desktop 4.32: Beta Releases of Compose File Viewer, Terminal Shell Integration, and Volume Backups to Cloud Providers

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Docker Desktop 4.32 includes a series of powerful enhancements designed to streamline data workflows and elevate user productivity. The latest Docker Desktop release enhances the experience across development teams of all sizes and emphasizes our commitment to providing a secure hybrid development platform that enables efficient building, sharing, and running of innovative applications anywhere. 

Key features of the Docker Desktop 4.32 release include: 

  • Improving developer’s experience with Compose File Viewer (Beta)
  • Enhancing developer productivity with Terminal in Docker Desktop (Beta)
  • Simplifying data management with Volume Backups to Cloud Providers (Beta) 
  • Streamlining administration with Docker Desktop’s MSI Installer (Early Access) 
2400x1260 4. 32 rectangle docker desktop release

Compose File Viewer (Beta) now available

Launched as Beta rolled out to limited customers during our Docker Desktop 4.31 release, Compose File Viewer has now been rolled out to all customers. Users can now see enhanced instructions for setting up Compose Watch when launching the viewer from the Compose CLI. 

Configuring multi-container applications can be complex, so  Compose File Viewer helps developers see their Docker Compose configuration file in Docker Desktop with information about each section a click away. This makes it simpler for developers to orient on basic Compose concepts and learn to set up Compose Watch, making it easier to sync code changes into running containers. 

Check out this new File Viewer through the View Configuration option in the Compose command line or by viewing a Compose stack in the Containers tab, then clicking the View Configuration button.

These enhancements are another step forward as we continue improving Compose to help you get the benefits of containerized development faster.

Terminal experience in Docker Desktop  (Beta)

We are excited to introduce the new terminal feature in Docker Desktop. This enhancement integrates a terminal directly within the Docker Desktop GUI, enabling seamless transitions between CLI and GUI interactions within a single window. By incorporating a terminal shell into the Docker Desktop interface, we significantly reduce the friction associated with context switching for developers. 

This functionality is designed to streamline workflows, accelerate delivery times, and enhance overall developer productivity.

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Figure 2: Terminal integrated in Docker Desktop.

Enterprise-grade Volume Backup to cloud providers (Beta) 

We are pleased to announce the release of an advanced Beta feature for interacting with volumes data within Docker Desktop. Building on our previously introduced Volumes Backup & Share functionalities, we are now introducing the capability to back up volumes to multiple cloud providers. 

With a Docker Business subscription, users can seamlessly back up their volumes to various cloud storage services, including AWS, Azure, and GCP. 

This new Volume Backup to cloud providers feature represents the latest enhancement in our ongoing efforts to streamline data management capabilities within Docker Desktop.

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Figure 3: Quickly export data to external cloud storage.

Docker Desktop MSI Installer and new login enforcement alternatives (Early Access)

We have made it easier to enforce login for your organization and deploy using the MSI Installer, available for early access. These key enhancements aim to streamline administration, improve security, and enhance the user experience for Docker Business subscribers.

Docker is committed to helping enterprises of all sizes with enhanced Docker sign-in enforcement across Windows and macOS to help increase user logins, simplify administration, and reduce learning curves for IT administrators.

The Docker Desktop MSI Installer helps with mass deployments and customizations with standardized silent install parameters. 

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Figure 4: Where to download the new MSI Installer in the Docker Admin Console.

Although these updates are currently available only for early access, they reflect Docker’s commitment to simplifying deployment and streamlining administration for organizations of all sizes. With more of these administrative offerings becoming available soon, we encourage IT teams and administrators to start planning for these changes to enhance their Docker experience.

Conclusion 

The Docker Desktop 4.32 release brings significant improvements aimed at streamlining workflows and boosting productivity for development teams of all sizes. With features like the Compose File Viewer, Terminal integration, and volume backups to cloud providers, Docker Desktop continues to simplify and enhance the developer experience. The new MSI Installer for easier administration also underlines our commitment to streamlining administration.

We look forward to seeing how these enhancements will help you build, share, and run innovative applications more effectively.

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