vs Docker Desktop
If you searched for a Docker Desktop alternative, OrbStack or Colima may be what you want. Zashiki Warashi is a different tool: a localhost project house that sits on top of whatever engine you already run.
Short answer
Docker Desktop = container engine + Docker GUI on your Mac.
Zashiki Warashi = catalog of local projects, one-button process start/stop, Compose/DB peek, deep-links to Cursor / Finder / Compass.
Zashiki is not a Docker Desktop alternative. Calling it one would be false advertising. It uses docker compose when your projects have stacks.
Side-by-side
| Concern | Docker Desktop | Zashiki Warashi |
|---|---|---|
| Runs containers | Yes | No (needs an engine) |
| Project catalog across repos | Not the job | Yes |
npm run dev lifecycle |
Indirect | First-class via login shell |
| Compose DB URI → Compass | Manual | Peek + deep-link |
| Port conflict vs other projects | Container-focused | Catalog / docker / native occupants |
| Required per-repo YAML | Compose when you use it | None for the catalog |
When to use which
- Choose Docker Desktop (or OrbStack) when you need the engine, Kubernetes bits, or a full container GUI.
- Choose Zashiki when the pain is “too many local repos / AI folders / leftover processes,” and Compose is only part of the story.
- Use both when Monday looks like: start the API from the catalog, up Postgres from Stack, open Compass, stop when done.
Related honest pages
- vs OrbStack
- vs Portainer — remote/full Docker UI vs machine-local project house
- Compose and databases
Download Zashiki: Releases.
FAQ
Can Zashiki replace Docker Desktop?
No. It does not run a container engine. You still need Docker Desktop, OrbStack, or another engine for Compose.
Do I need Docker Desktop if I only run npm?
Not for plain Node projects. You need an engine when you use Compose stacks / DB peek.
Why does this page exist then?
Because ‘Docker alternative’ searches often mean ‘I’m drowning in local projects and containers.’ We disambiguate so you pick the right layer.