Update on the Docker DX extension for VS Code | Docker

It’s now been a couple of weeks since we released the new Docker DX extension for Visual Studio Code. This launch reflects a deeper collaboration between Docker and Microsoft to better support developers building containerized applications.

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed some changes to your Docker extension in VS Code. We want to take a moment to explain what’s happening—and where we’re headed next.

What’s Changing?

The original Docker extension in VS Code is being migrated to the new Container Tools extension, maintained by Microsoft. It’s designed to make it easier to build, manage, and deploy containers—streamlining the container development experience directly inside VS Code.

As part of this partnership, it was decided to bundle the new Docker DX extension with the existing Docker extension, so that it would install automatically to make the process seamless.

While the automatic installation was intended to simplify the experience, we realize it may have caught some users off guard. To provide more clarity and choice, the next release will make Docker DX Extension an opt-in installation, giving you full control over when and how you want to use it. 

What’s New from Docker?

Docker is introducing the new Docker DX extension, focused on delivering a best-in-class authoring experience for Dockerfiles, Compose files, and Bake files

Key features include:

• Dockerfile linting: Get build warnings and best-practice suggestions directly from BuildKit and Buildx—so you can catch issues early, right inside your editor.
• Image vulnerability remediation (experimental): Automatically flag references to container images with known vulnerabilities, directly in your Dockerfiles.
• Bake file support: Enjoy code completion, variable navigation, and inline suggestions when authoring Bake files—including the ability to generate targets based on your Dockerfile stages.
• Compose file outline: Easily navigate and understand complex Compose files with a new outline view in the editor.

Better Together

These two extensions are designed to work side-by-side, giving you the best of both worlds:

• Powerful tooling to build, manage, and deploy your containers
• Smart, contextual authoring support for Dockerfiles, Compose files, and Bake files

And the best part? Both extensions are free and fully open source.

Thank You for Your Patience

We know changes like this can be disruptive. While our goal was to make the transition as seamless as possible, we recognize that the approach caused some confusion, and we sincerely apologize for the lack of early communication.

The teams at Docker and Microsoft are committed to delivering the best container development experience possible—and this is just the beginning.

Where Docker DX is Going Next

At Docker, we’re proud of the contributions we’ve made to the container ecosystem, including Dockerfiles, Compose, and Bake.

We’re committed to ensuring the best possible experience when editing these files in your IDE, with instant feedback while you work.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:

• Expanded Dockerfile checks: More best-practice validations, actionable tips, and guidance—surfaced right when you need them.
• Stronger security insights: Deeper visibility into vulnerabilities across your Dockerfiles, Compose files, and Bake configurations.
• Improved debugging and troubleshooting: Soon, you’ll be able to live debug Docker builds—step through your Dockerfile line-by-line, inspect the filesystem at each stage, see what’s cached, and troubleshoot issues faster.

We Want Your Feedback!

Your feedback is critical in helping us improve the Docker DX extension and your overall container development experience.

If you encounter any issues or have ideas for enhancements you’d like to see, please let us know:

We’re listening and excited to keep making things better for you!