Docker vs Local by Flywheel: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Docker and Local by Flywheel. Both Docker and Local by Flywheel are commonly used tools for managing local development environments, but they have distinct features and functionalities that set them apart.

1. Architecture: Docker is a platform that enables developers to package their applications and their dependencies into containers, which can then be run on any system that supports Docker. On the other hand, Local by Flywheel is a local development environment specifically designed for WordPress sites, offering a simplified and user-friendly interface for managing WordPress development.

2. Supported Technologies: Docker is a versatile tool that can be used to containerize applications developed in various programming languages and frameworks, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Local by Flywheel, as a WordPress-specific tool, is primarily focused on supporting WordPress development, providing features like automatic WordPress installation, local development server, and database management.

3. Ease of Use: Docker has a steeper learning curve as it requires understanding of the command-line interface and Dockerfile syntax to build and manage containers effectively. Local by Flywheel, on the other hand, offers an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the creation, management, and deployment of WordPress sites, making it more beginner-friendly.

4. Portability: Docker containers are highly portable, meaning they can be easily moved or deployed across different systems and environments that support Docker. This portability allows developers to build once and run anywhere, making it easier to replicate development environments. Local by Flywheel, while it allows easy creation and management of WordPress sites, is less portable and limited to the Local by Flywheel environment.

5. Workflow Integration: Docker is often favored in larger development teams or projects where a consistent development and deployment workflow across multiple developers or environments is desired. Docker provides tools for container orchestration, version control, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Local by Flywheel, on the other hand, is more suitable for individual developers or small teams working on WordPress projects, offering a simplified development workflow specifically tailored to WordPress.

In summary, Docker is a versatile platform for containerization, suitable for various projects and programming languages, while Local by Flywheel is a specialized and user-friendly development environment focused on WordPress development. Docker provides more extensive flexibility, portability, and integration options, making it ideal for complex projects and larger teams. Local by Flywheel, on the other hand, offers a simplified and beginner-friendly experience specifically for WordPress developers.