The build and publish process

The documentation is structured so that it matches the steps you need to take when creating your extension. There are two main parts to creating a Docker Extension; build the foundations and then publish your extension.

Part one: Build the foundations

The build process consists of:

• Installing the latest version of Docker Desktop.
• Setting up the directory with files which range from the extension’s source code to the required extension-specific files.
• Creating the Dockerfile to build, publish, and run your extension in Docker Desktop.
• Configuring the metadata file which is required at the root of the image filesystem.
• Building and installing the extension.

Note

Whilst you’re building your extension, make sure you follow our design and UI styling guidelines to ensure visual consistency and level AA accessibility standards.

For further inspiration, see the other examples in the samples folder.

Part two: Publish and distribute your extension

Docker Desktop displays published extensions in the Extensions Marketplace. The Extensions Marketplace is a curated space where developers can discover extensions to improve their developer experience and upload their own extension to share with the world.

If you want your extension to be published in the Marketplace, see our publish documentation page.

Already built an extension?

Let us know about your experience using the feedback form.

What’s next?

If you want to get up and running quickly with a Docker Extension, see the Quickstart guide.

Alternatively, get started with Part one: Build for more in-depth information about each step of the extension creation process.

For an in-depth tutorial of the entire build process, we recommend the following video walkthrough from DockerCon 2022: