Agentic applications are rapidly redefining software development by leveraging large language models (LLMs) to automate complex workflows and achieve dynamic user goals. At the recent WeAreDevelopers conference, Docker demonstrated its commitment to making these AI-powered solutions more accessible, robust, and ready for real-world use by developers everywhere.
Introducing the Agentic App Stack
The modern agentic app stack fuses LLMs, essential tools, and custom code into seamless systems capable of executing sophisticated tasks. While this new paradigm introduces fresh challenges, many echo familiar issues from the microservices era. Docker is building on its proven developer workflows to ensure teams can navigate this transition smoothly, using trusted practices alongside innovative agentic technologies.
- Docker Model Runner streamlines the process of downloading and running AI models locally or in the cloud.
- MCP Gateway, now open source, provides secure, containerized access to diverse tools within agentic apps.
- Compose for Agentic Applications integrates models, tools, and code in a single
compose.yamlfile, greatly simplifying orchestration.
Major Announcements from WeAreDevelopers
Docker unveiled several groundbreaking updates aimed at empowering agentic app developers:
- Compose Expansion: Enhanced Docker Compose now supports agentic workflows, allowing developers to define and connect AI models, tools, and custom logic in one configuration. This update streamlines work with leading frameworks such as ADK, CrewAI, and Vercel AI SDK.
- Seamless Cloud Integration: Out-of-the-box support for Google Cloud Run allows Compose-based agentic apps to move from local development to production without rewriting or reconfiguring. Microsoft Azure Container Apps integration is on the horizon.
- Docker Offload: This new capability offers developers instant access to GPU-powered cloud resources for running LLMs and containers during development and testing. A simple toggle in Docker Desktop enables the feature, with 300 complimentary GPU minutes available during its beta phase.
Hands-On Learning and Developer Community
Docker’s live workshop at the conference provided hands-on experience with the latest Compose features. Attendees explored real-world integrations of models, tools, and agentic frameworks, reflecting a strong appetite for these next-gen solutions. All workshop materials are publicly available on GitHub, inviting curious developers to experiment and learn.
Beyond workshops, Docker hosted lightning talks delving into advanced GenAI topics such as event-driven agentic applications, semantic testing using LLMs, and building secure images with Docker Hardened Images. These sessions underscored Docker's pivotal role in supporting the evolving agentic app ecosystem.
AI Trends and Industry Insights
Docker’s UX Research team shared insights from three years of study, revealing how AI adoption is reshaping programming language choices, security tactics, and developer workflows. These findings offer valuable perspective for those seeking to stay ahead of industry trends as AI becomes increasingly central to software innovation.
Expanding Horizons: WeAreDevelopers Heads to North America
In a significant move, Docker announced its partnership with WeAreDevelopers to bring the popular developer-first conference to North America in 2026. This initiative promises to broaden collaboration, live coding sessions, and career opportunities for developers across continents.
Your Path to the Agentic Future
Agentic applications are gaining momentum, and Docker is making it easier than ever to get involved. Developers can:
- Enroll in the Docker Offload beta and tap into cloud-based GPU resources
- Experiment with Compose for streamlined AI agent development and deployment
- Explore Model Runner and MCP Gateway for advanced integrations
- Watch keynote sessions on securing and scaling agentic workflows
Takeaway
Docker is not just adapting to the agentic app wave, it’s leading the charge by providing the essential tools, integrations, and community support needed for success. Whether you’re building, testing, or deploying tomorrow’s AI-native applications, Docker offers a unified, developer-friendly platform to accelerate your journey.
Source: Docker Blog
Docker Is Accelerating the Agentic App Revolution