When Docker Desktop is required

Required for

Not required for

See also

Managed databases need a container engine.

Managed Postgres / Redis / MySQL containers Rig starts for you.

Simple static/Node apps that don’t use managed DBs — or when you point at an external DB.

When Docker Desktop is required Managed databases need a container engine. docker databases Required for Not required for

Related guides

This article is part of the Rig knowledge base at userig.app/docs. Rig is a local-first Mac app that runs, watches, and restarts development processes with unified logs, ports, and a scoped MCP hub for AI coding agents. Your source code stays on your Mac.

https://userig.app/docs/docker-desktop-required