Docker has become the backbone of modern development, but many Linux users still wrestle with its command‑line interface. A new terminal UI, Podman Desktop (formerly known as Dockly), promises to turn that experience into something visually appealing and dramatically more efficient. In this article we explore how the UI reshapes container management, the specific features that set it apart, and why it matters for developers, sysadmins, and hobbyists alike. By the end, readers will understand the practical benefits, installation steps, and the future roadmap that could make this tool a staple in every Linux toolbox.
Discovering the UI
The first encounter with the UI is striking: a clean, dark‑mode dashboard that lists containers, images, and volumes in real‑time. Unlike the traditional docker ps output, the interface uses colour‑coded status icons, collapsible sections, and live logs that can be toggled with a single keystroke. The project, hosted on GitHub, was born out of frustration with the fragmented Docker CLI experience on Linux, aiming to bring the polish of macOS and Windows tools to the open‑source world.
Core features and workflow
Beyond aesthetics, the UI introduces several workflow‑enhancing capabilities:
- One‑click container lifecycle management: start, stop, restart, or remove containers without typing commands.
- Live log streaming: view logs in a scrollable pane, filter by keywords, and export to a file.
- Image explorer: inspect layers, view Dockerfile details, and pull new images directly from Docker Hub.
- Resource monitoring: CPU, memory, and network usage graphs are displayed per container.
These features are integrated into a keyboard‑driven navigation model that mirrors the efficiency of Vim, allowing power users to stay in the terminal while gaining visual context.
Performance and usability gains
Benchmarks conducted by the community show a noticeable reduction in time spent on routine tasks. The table below compares average command execution times for common Docker operations performed via the CLI versus the UI.
| Operation | CLI (seconds) | UI (seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| List containers | 0.42 | 0.08 |
| Start container | 1.12 | 0.31 |
| View logs (first 100 lines) | 2.05 | 0.57 |
| Remove image | 1.78 | 0.44 |
While raw speed is only part of the story, the UI’s ability to batch actions and present real‑time feedback reduces context switching, which many users report as a productivity boost of up to 30%.
Installation and community support
Installation is straightforward on most distributions. For Ubuntu and Debian, a single apt line adds the repository, followed by sudo apt install podman-desktop. Arch users can pull it from the AUR, and a universal snap package is also available. The project maintains an active Discord channel and a bi‑weekly newsletter that highlights new releases, plugin contributions, and community‑driven tutorials.
Future outlook
The roadmap includes native support for Kubernetes clusters, plugin architecture for custom dashboards, and tighter integration with cloud providers. As container orchestration continues to dominate modern infrastructure, a tool that bridges the gap between raw CLI power and graphical clarity could become indispensable for both newcomers and seasoned engineers.
Conclusion
By marrying a sleek visual design with robust Docker functionality, this terminal UI reshapes how Linux users interact with containers. It cuts down on repetitive typing, offers instant insight into resource consumption, and streamlines complex workflows into intuitive clicks and keystrokes. Whether you are managing a single development container or orchestrating dozens of services, the UI provides a compelling alternative that promises to evolve alongside the container ecosystem. Embracing it now positions you at the forefront of a more efficient, user‑friendly Docker experience.
Image by: Kevin Ku
https://www.pexels.com/@kevin-ku-92347
