> For a beginner trying to run someone else's Python project, it is free.
Its absolutely, by far, the highest friction alternative on Windows for anyone that doesn't use Docker for other purposes.
Its absolutely, by far, the highest friction alternative on Windows for anyone that doesn't use Docker for other purposes.
- Not if you have to deploy the code.
- Not if you have to import the code in your own project.
Basically, not if you want to do anything by running the code. For which I would suggest an installer instead.
And, no, docker isn't just install and run on Windows. Before Docker made a heavy push for paid Docker Desktop for even personal use, it was close to that.
But now the way to get a free usable docker command line is to install WSL and a Linux environment, install docker there, and then invoke docker via wsl. (Which, of course, you will not find via Docker’s own information, which will try to sell you a paid subscription.)
1. Download and install Docker desktop for Windows
2. Restart Windows (guess you don't have to do this with just Python)
3. Run Docker Desktop
4. Say "no" to signing into a Docker account
5. Wait for engine to start, which took a few minutes the first time, a bit annoying
6. Pull and run an image (I tried nginx)
It was weird being asked to log in, but the "no" button was pretty clear. I didn't feel like I was forced to use WSL to avoid paying; maybe they've backtracked from something. Unity was far more convincing that I had to pay.