Xedant Code > Mac Docker Desktop

Mac Docker Desktop

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Docker Desktop for Mac provides a graphical interface for managing Docker containers. This guide covers running Xedant Code using Docker Desktop on macOS, including both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel-based Macs.

Installing Docker Desktop

Download the appropriate Docker Desktop for Mac installer from docker.com:

  • Apple Silicon — Mac with M1/M2/M3/M4 chip: download the Mac with Apple chip version
  • Intel — Mac with Intel processor: download the Mac with Intel chip version

Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag Docker to your Applications folder. Launch Docker Desktop from Applications. You may need to grant Docker permission to install system extensions via System Settings.

Setting Up Your Project

Create a folder for your project. Inside, create a docker-compose.yml file following the Docker Setup Guide, or create a .env file for the Docker CLI approach. Choose your image — both support multi-architecture and work on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs:

  • xedant/code:dev-latest — Full development environment (2.8 GB, includes ASP.NET Core and Node.js dev tools)
  • xedant/code:min-latest — Full-featured image if you don’t need ASP.NET Core development tools (570 MB, includes Node.js, Python, and all required tools)

Starting Xedant Code

Open Terminal in your project folder and start the container:

# Using Docker Compose
docker compose up -d

# Using Docker CLI with .env file
docker run -d --env-file .env -p 5001:80 -v ./MyProject:/project xedant/code:dev-latest

Docker Desktop shows the running container in its dashboard. You can view logs, restart, or stop the container from the GUI.

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5001 (or whatever port you configured).

Need custom tools? If your project uses specific languages or tools not included in the image, you can extend it with a custom Dockerfile — see Extending the Image with Custom Tools in the Docker Setup Guide.

Tips

  • Apple Silicon — Docker Desktop runs natively on Apple Silicon. Xedant Code images are multi-arch and work on both architectures without configuration.
  • File Access — Project files mount directly into the container. Use paths relative to your current directory or absolute paths.
  • Resource Limits — Adjust Docker Desktop’s memory and CPU allocation in Settings → Resources if your projects need more power.
  • Auto-Start — Configure Docker Desktop to start on login in Settings → General so your containers are always ready.

For detailed Docker configuration (compose files, environment variables, credentials), see the Docker Setup Guide.