Overcoming Local Development Challenges using Docker Remote Context

Last summer, I made the switch to an M1pro Macbook and quickly realized that I was having some issues running projects locally. That's when I discovered the power of using Docker's remote context feature.

For those unfamiliar, the Docker remote context allows you to use Docker commands on a remote host machine, rather than on your local machine. This can be especially useful for developers who are working on projects that require more resources or configurations than their local machine can handle.

To set up a remote host machine and configure Docker to use it as the context, you can use the following steps:

1. Install Docker on the remote host machine (Ubuntu Server) and make sure it is running.

2. On the local machine (MacBook) create a new Linux socket and use it to create a new Docker context

The first command creates a secure shell (ssh) connection to the remote machine at IP address 192.168.0.200, and creates a local port forwarding tunnel between the local machine's /Users/bogdan/.homelab.sock file and the remote machine's /var/run/docker.sock file. The -N flag specifies that no command will be executed on the remote machine, and the & at the end of the command runs the ssh process in the background. This allows the local machine to access the docker daemon on the remote machine as if it were running locally.

The second command creates a new Docker context called "homelab" that is connected to a remote Docker daemon over a Unix socket at /Users/bogdan/.homelab.sock. This context is given the description "HomeLab Remote server". The context can then be used to perform Docker commands on the remote server, rather than on the local machine.

Using a Unix socket to create the remote Docker context can also have some advantages, such as improved security and performance.

Once you have your remote context set up, you can use all the usual Docker commands as if you were on the remote host machine. This includes building and running containers, debugging, and deploying to production.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using the Docker remote host context feature. First, you will need to ensure that the remote host machine has the necessary resources and permissions to run your containers. You may also need to set up a secure connection to the remote host, such as using SSH or a VPN.

Another consideration is the security of the remote host machine itself. Make sure to follow best practices for securing your host machine, such as using strong passwords, enabling firewall rules, and keeping the host machine up to date with the latest security patches.

Finally, it is important to test and monitor your containers when using the remote host context. Use tools like Docker Compose and Docker Swarm to set up a staging environment and test your containers before deploying to production. Use monitoring tools like Prometheus and Datadog to monitor the performance and availability of your containers in production.

In summary, the Docker remote host context feature is a powerful tool for developers who need to run Docker on a remote host machine. By using the docker context create and docker context use commands, you can easily build, run, and deploy containers on the remote host, just as you would on your local machine. Just be sure to consider the resources, permissions, and security of the remote host machine, and test and monitor your containers carefully.