Docker vs Buildah: Explained Simply

Published on: 2025-08-13

When talking about containers, most people think of Docker first. But there are other players in the container world, like Buildah. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which one fits your needs.

What is Docker

Docker is a platform that lets you build, ship, and run applications in containers. It includes everything: from client and server (Docker Engine) to tools for building and managing images.

Pros of Docker:

• Easy to install and use
• Large community and documentation
• Rich ecosystem (Docker Hub, Compose, Swarm)

Cons of Docker:

• Requires a background daemon (dockerd)
• Needs root access (by default)
• Can be overkill for simple build tasks

What is Buildah

Buildah is a Red Hat tool designed specifically for building OCI-compliant container images without running a daemon. It integrates with Podman and other container tools.

Pros of Buildah:

• No background daemon
• Flexible image building (can build from scratch without Dockerfile)
• Works well in rootless scenarios

Cons of Buildah:

• Steeper learning curve
• Fewer ready-to-use examples and guides
• Less popular than Docker

The Difference

The main difference is that Docker is a full platform, while Buildah is a specialized image-building tool. Docker is great for quick starts, Buildah is better for fine control and secure environments.

Conclusion

• If you’re starting out and want to get containers running quickly — choose Docker.
• If you need flexibility, security, and no background daemon — go for Buildah.