A free, open-source native macOS application, Dory provides a complete local Linux workspace, serving as a robust alternative to Docker Desktop and OrbStack. It targets developers on Apple Silicon Macs who require integrated Docker, Compose, Kubernetes, and persistent Linux machines, offering a unified, self-contained runtime without cloud dependencies or telemetry.

How It Works

Dory bundles a native Apple Silicon engine for Docker tools, integrates one-click Kubernetes (k3s), and provides separate persistent Linux virtual machines. It operates via a SwiftUI app and a versioned CLI, managing all components within a single, self-contained runtime. This approach avoids external dependencies like VM managers or cloud control planes, offering a streamlined, integrated development environment.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install: brew install --cask Augani/dory/dory or download the Apple Silicon DMG from GitHub Releases.
• Prerequisites: Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 14 Sonoma or later, 8 GiB RAM recommended. Xcode 26+ needed only for building from source.
• Links: Website: https://dory.dev/, Download: GitHub Releases, Compatibility: COMPATIBILITY.md

Highlighted Details

• Bundles Docker (29 API/CLI), Buildx, BuildKit, Compose v2, Kubernetes (k3s v1.34-1.36), and persistent Linux machines.
• Offers transactional migration from Docker Desktop, OrbStack, Colima, Rancher Desktop, and Podman.
• Supports flexible storage options including managed .dorydrive and external APFS drives, with verified backup/restore.
• Provides advanced networking features like optional local domains, HTTPS, low port access, and opt-in LAN/Tailscale access.
• Features agent automation capabilities with a machine-readable contract (JSON schemas, dry runs, event streams).

Maintenance & Community

No specific details on active contributors, sponsorships, or community channels (like Discord/Slack) are provided in the README.

Licensing & Compatibility

Licensed under GPL-3.0. It is open-source software, and workload data is stored locally. The GPL-3.0 license implies copyleft restrictions, requiring derivative works to also be open-sourced under the same license.

Limitations & Caveats

Currently qualified only for Apple Silicon hosts; Intel Mac support is planned but not yet released. Dory Linux machines are Alpine-based arm64 VMs with root login and /bin/sh, lacking configurable distributions, systemd, or graphical desktops. Experimental Venus/Vulkan acceleration and audio passthrough are not yet fully supported. Agent sandbox outbound policy is limited to full egress.