Docker Desktop 4.22 has been released, featuring the new "Resource Saver" functionality designed to reduce idle memory and CPU usage, ensuring optimal utilization of machine resources. Additionally, Docker Compose now supports the inclusion of subprojects, simplifying the process of modularizing complex applications into separate Compose files.
Enhancements have also been made to role-based access control (RBAC) with the introduction of an Editor role, allowing administrators to delegate repository management tasks.
In version 4.22, Docker Desktop introduces the Resource Saver feature for Mac and Windows. When Docker Desktop remains idle without any active containers for 30 seconds, the memory and CPU footprint is automatically reduced, optimizing resource allocation and freeing up system resources for other tasks. A leaf icon appears on the Docker Desktop menu and dashboard sidebar to indicate that Resource Saver mode is activated.
Notably, the previous CPU optimizations of Resource Saver in Docker Desktop have led to savings of up to 38,500 CPU hours per day across all users.
Source: Docker Desktop 4.22: Resource Saver, Compose ‘include’, and Enhanced RBAC Functionality
For handling complex applications, the included section in Compose files allows for easy splitting of projects into manageable subprojects. This feature enables better collaboration across teams and facilitates sharing common dependency configurations within organizations. For further reading on trying out these features, check out the documentation.
With the introduction of the Editor role, administrators can grant users specific repository management capabilities while avoiding the need for full administrator privileges. Users designated as Editors can create both public and private repositories as needed and perform various actions on repositories, including pulling, pushing, viewing, editing, and deleting them. They can update repository descriptions to provide relevant information and assign team permissions for repositories, facilitating collaboration. Editors now also have the authority to update scanning settings to enhance security.
Owners of organizations can designate a member of their organization as an Editor role, whether in Docker Hub or Docker Admin.
At the time of publishing this piece, both Docker Desktop versions 4.23 and 4.24 have been launched. Version 4.23 introduces the capability to dockerize ASP.NET Core projects, while version 4.24 brings the general availability of the watch command, which can be directly accessed through the root command docker compose watch.
Readers keen to stay informed about future releases and provide feedback can access the Docker Public Roadmap. To delve deeper into Docker, you can also download Docker Desktop here.