Rig vs Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop isolates runtimes in containers. Rig orchestrates processes already on your Mac. Use Docker when you need reproducible images and Compose. Use Rig when the work is native macOS processes, Valet sites, and AI agents that must see live local services. Many people use both: Docker for database images, Rig for app processes, logs, ports, and MCP. Rig can start a compose script; it does not replace the container runtime. Choose Docker-only if everything you run is a container. Choose Rig when npm, artisan, and a worker are first-class citizens on the host.