The Struggle of Managing Docker Efficiently
Working with Docker can be a breeze—but let’s be honest, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s troubleshooting a stubborn container, optimizing your Dockerfiles, or figuring out the best way to run an image, you often find yourself sifting through documentation, Stack Overflow, and random GitHub issues.
Meet Ask Gordon – Your AI Assistant for Docker
Docker has introduced Ask Gordon, an AI-powered assistant embedded directly into Docker Desktop and the Docker CLI. Think of it as your personal Docker guru, ready to help troubleshoot issues, optimize configurations, and streamline your workflow—all without leaving your terminal or Docker UI.
What Can Ask Gordon Do?
Provide contextual help for errors and troubleshooting
Optimize Dockerfiles for performance and security
Offer best practices for running and managing containers
Analyze your images and suggest improvements
Getting Started with Ask Gordon
Requires: Docker Desktop 4.38.0 or later
Step 1: Enable Ask Gordon in Docker Desktop
- Sign in to Docker Desktop
- Enable the Feature
- Navigate to Settings > Features in Development
- Check the Enable Docker AI box
- Accept the terms and click Apply & Restart
Step 2: Using Ask Gordon in Docker Desktop
Once enabled, Ask Gordon will be accessible via:
The Ask Gordon chat window in Docker Desktop
Various parts of the UI (whenever you see the sparkles icon)
Step 3: Using Ask Gordon in the CLI
Prefer working in the terminal? No problem! You can use Ask Gordon directly from the command line:
docker ai "Can you optimize my Dockerfile?"
Example Workflows with Ask Gordon
Troubleshooting a Crashed Container
Ever had a container fail to start with a cryptic error message? Instead of Googling for hours, just ask Gordon!
Running PostgreSQL Without a Password
docker run postgres
Error: Database is uninitialized and superuser password is not specified.
You must specify POSTGRES_PASSWORD to a non-empty value.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Ask Gordon Today
Docker’s Ask Gordon AI assistant takes the guesswork out of container management. Whether you’re troubleshooting errors, optimizing Dockerfiles, or just getting started with a new image, Gordon streamlines your workflow and saves you valuable time.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Saves time – No more endless Googling for answers.
Context-aware – Gordon understands your Docker setup.
Enhances productivity – Focus on coding, not debugging.
Integrated into Docker Desktop & CLI – No extra tools needed.
Ask Gordon is still in Beta, but it’s already proving to be an invaluable tool for Docker users. Give it a try today and supercharge your Docker workflow!
FAQs
Q: Is Ask Gordon available for all Docker users?
A: Yes, Ask Gordon is available for all Docker users with Docker Desktop 4.38.0 or later.
Q: How do I enable Ask Gordon in Docker Desktop?
A: Follow the steps outlined in Step 1: Enable Ask Gordon in Docker Desktop.
Q: Can I use Ask Gordon in the Docker CLI?
A: Yes, you can use Ask Gordon directly from the command line.
Q: Is Ask Gordon available for non-English users?
A: Yes, Ask Gordon is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and many more.
Q: Can I provide feedback on Ask Gordon?
A: Yes, Docker is actively seeking feedback on Ask Gordon. Share your thoughts and suggestions through the Docker Community Forum or the Ask Gordon feedback channel.
