Side by side
rules_docker vs rules_img
Both stand on container build tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMac
rules_docker provides a broad set of Bazel container rules, including basic operations that do not use Docker. Consider its maintenance status and Windows exclusion, and note that some additional container operations do require Docker.
Visit rules_docker Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted
rules_img combines hermetic, daemonless OCI builds with multi-platform transitions, compact layers, and registry integrations. Its advanced remote-push strategies and signing workflows require configuration, and registry capabilities differ.
Visit rules_imgThe facts
| rules_docker | rules_img | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On container build tools | #24 of 34 | #28 of 34 |
rules_docker: what it does well
- Basic image operations do not require or use Docker
- container_image outputs are described as reproducible
- Language rules cover nine programming languages
- Does not require workstation root access
What to know first
- Windows is not supported
- Package installation and in-container commands require Docker
- Maintained on an as-needed basis
rules_img: what it does well
- Builds OCI images without a Docker daemon
- Supports Bzlmod and WORKSPACE
- Enables multi-platform image builds
- Supports eStargz and SOCI lazy pulling
- Loads images into Docker, Podman, and containerd
What to know first
- Registry feature support varies
- Image signing is disabled by default
- Some remote push strategies require special infrastructure
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