Run Container Docker on Mac M1 (Arm CPU) using Colima
Docker provides a powerful tool for containerization, but running it on a Mac M1 with an ARM CPU requires a specific approach. This article introduces Colima, a lightweight Docker runtime that serves as an alternative to Docker Desktop, providing a seamless experience for Apple Silicon users. Here, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Colima on your Mac M1.
Introduction to Colima
Colima is a fast and efficient Docker runtime designed for both Apple Silicon (M1) and Intel-based Macs. It simplifies the process of running Docker containers on Mac M1, ensuring compatibility with various architectures and offering an alternative to Docker Desktop. Colima provides a reliable way to utilize Docker without the performance concerns often associated with running x86 containers on ARM-based systems.
Installation and Setup of Colima
To begin using Colima, you first need to install it. This can be done via Homebrew with the following command:
Once installed, you can proceed with starting Colima.
Starting Colima
To run Docker commands with Colima, you must start the service. The command below initiates Colima, specifying the architecture to use:
We recommend specifying the x86_64 architecture, as some Docker images may not yet be available for ARM64. However, if you wish to run ARM64 containers, you can use the --arch aarch64 option, or simply omit the flag to use the default architecture.
Using Docker with Colima
After starting Colima, you can execute Docker commands in the same manner as with Docker Desktop. For example, pulling and running an image can be done as follows:
These commands will demonstrate the basic functionality of Docker within the Colima environment.
Stopping Colima
Since running Colima consumes system resources, it is advisable to stop it when not in use. To stop Colima, run the following command:
This will release system resources and halt Docker operations.
Troubleshooting Colima
If you encounter issues while using Colima, the simplest solution is often to delete the Colima instance and restart it. This can be done with the following command:
The system will prompt you to confirm the deletion of the Colima instance and its settings. Typing y will proceed with the deletion.
Using Dive with Colima
If you are using Dive, a tool for inspecting Docker images, you may encounter an issue with the Docker socket. To resolve this, you can create a symbolic link to the Docker socket by running:
Note that you will need to execute this command each time after starting Colima.
Conclusion
Colima provides an efficient and straightforward solution for running Docker containers on Mac M1 systems. By leveraging Colima, users can enjoy the benefits of Docker without encountering the compatibility issues that sometimes arise with Apple Silicon. Whether you are building applications or managing containerized environments, Colima offers a reliable alternative to Docker Desktop.
Common Issues with Docker on Mac M1
Occasionally, when building Docker images on the Mac M1, you may encounter platform-specific issues. For example, building with esbuild may result in errors due to the architecture mismatch. To resolve this, you can build images targeting the amd64 platform:
An example error during the build process might look like this:
/////////////For further discussion on this topic, you can refer to the esbuild issue or consult resources like this article for additional troubleshooting steps.