Graphical Interface Tools for Container Development and Deployment

Docker remains one of the most popular container platforms. One reason for this is that Docker offers simplicity that many other similar tools cannot match. With a single command, you can deploy containers and ensure they run smoothly (even deployment in a Docker Swarm cluster).
Although the Docker CLI is fairly easy to learn, some developers prefer to work with a graphical interface. There is nothing wrong with that, as using a GUI provides an efficient workflow. This is especially true if you work in a team, as the GUI further simplifies collaboration. And considering how complex container deployments can be, having a GUI that handles some of the heavy lifting is a big plus. 

However, it should not be forgotten that developers must know how to deploy containers using the Docker command line. This is a fundamental skill that not only helps them better understand how their deployments work but also allows them to deploy and manage containers even when a GUI may not be available (e.g., on a server without a graphical interface).
So, let's look at the best GUI tools that can make container work easier and more efficient for developers.

Portainer

Portainer is a lightweight Docker management GUI that centralizes configuration, management, security, and deployment of containers. Portainer makes it easier for developers to learn container technologies, simplifies management and deployment automation, and ensures the security of the container platform. Portainer can manage not only a single Docker server but also a Docker Swarm cluster.
A very interesting aspect of Portainer is that it itself is deployed as a container. This allows it to be deployed on any platform that supports Docker. Once deployed, Portainer offers a very powerful and user-friendly GUI, including features for authentication, multi-cluster management (endpoints), template support, resource viewing, container actions (such as connecting to manager nodes, attaching to a container shell, inspecting containers, and checking logs). Administrators can also set resource ownership (admin, restricted, public) for objects like stacks, Docker services, and containers. 
Portainer is free to deploy and use, and it supports paid third-party extensions to expand its feature set.

Rancher

Rancher is a complete software stack for developers planning to adopt containers. A very important aspect of Rancher is that developers can start using it with Docker and continue using it as they move to Docker Swarm and even Kubernetes deployments. 
Rancher excels at addressing the common issues of container security and managing multiple Docker Swarm and Kubernetes clusters across any infrastructure.  Rancher is also great for teams aiming for rapid DevOps growth and integrating numerous tools.

Using the Rancher UI, you can deploy on bare metal, private clouds, public clouds, or VMware vSphere. Rancher also integrates with Helm (the Kubernetes package manager), and developers can use the Rancher App Catalog to deploy and manage applications in any environment.
Other features include consistent security policies and compliance, support for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, accelerated DevOps adoption, and support for edge deployments. 
Unlike some other solutions in this list, Rancher comes at a price.

Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is one of the most used GUI tools for Docker development. This outstanding GUI tool is only available for macOS and Windows and is free for individual developers, educational institutions, open-source developer communities, and small businesses. There are various paid options for individual developers who want more features, as well as for development teams and enterprises. More details on features can be found in the pricing table.
A special feature of Docker Desktop is its built-in volume manager. When deploying containers that depend on mapped volumes (e.g., for persistent storage), having a GUI for this task can be very convenient.
Docker Desktop also makes it easier to create consistent development environments across the organization. And since Docker Desktop was built with security in mind from the start, you can be confident in the reliability of your deployments. Docker Desktop provides practical insights and remediation recommendations through image and vulnerability scanning.

DockStation

DockStation is a cross-platform Docker GUI that allows you to easily work with local or remote containers and services, use Docker Compose, monitor containers, create projects with one click, work with the built-in parser, drag and drop images into projects, and easily organize containers for each project.
DockStation offers one of the best Docker user interfaces on the market and is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. When using DockStation, the generated docker-compose.yml files are always clean and native, so they can be used outside the application (e.g., with the docker-compose command). 
DockStation also features monitoring of CPU, memory, network I/O, block I/O, and open ports. This solution can also be easily integrated with DockerHub. And since all work is organized into projects, managing deployments is incredibly simple. 

Conclusion

Managing Docker deployments doesn't have to be a difficult task. With a well-designed GUI, developers can learn Docker much faster than strictly through the CLI. And having a good GUI allows for more efficient (and reliable) management of deployments.