Cagent Comes to Docker Desktop with Built-In IDE Support through ACP

Docker Desktop now includes cagent bundled out of the box. This means developers can start building

Docker Desktop now includes cagent bundled out of the box. This means developers can start building AI agents without a separate installation step. For those unfamiliar with cagent: it’s Docker’s open-source tool that lets you build AI agents using YAML configuration files instead of writing code. You define the agent’s behavior and tools, and cagent handles the runtime execution. We to simplify AI agent development and eliminate the typical Python dependency management that comes with most AI frameworks. Here’s how to start using the bundled version: to version 4.49.0 or later. You can check your current version by clicking the Docker icon and selecting “About Docker Desktop.” Save this as : If you already have cagent installed via Homebrew ( ), your existing installation will take precedence over the bundled version. This ensures backward compatibility while giving you control over which version to use. This approach provides flexibility: new users get immediate access through Docker Desktop, while existing users maintain control over their preferred version. Additionally, cagent now supports the – a standardization protocol that enables seamless integration between AI agents and code editors. ACP solves a common integration challenge: previously, each editor needed custom integrations for every agent, and agents needed editor-specific implementations to reach users. This created overhead and limited compatibility. With ACP support, cagent agents can now work directly within your IDE. Here’s how to set it up with Zed editor: Once configured, your cagent-defined AI agents become available directly in your editor’s interface. Here’s what the integration looks like in action: This integration represents another step toward making AI agents a natural part of the development workflow—similar to how Language Server Protocol (LSP) standardized language server integration across editors. To get started with cagent: Bundling cagent with Docker Desktop removes a common barrier to AI agent experimentation. Whether you’re looking to automate development tasks or build more complex agent workflows, the tools are now readily available in your existing Docker environment.