Install Docker

forge runs as a container beside your project. Docker is the only thing to install; Docker Desktop includes the Compose plugin.

Ask your agent

you

I want to build an app on forge (docs: https://forge.mardash.ai/start). First, check whether this machine has Docker and the Docker Compose plugin. If either is missing, walk me through installing Docker Desktop.

claude

docker --version · docker compose version You need Docker with the Compose plugin — Docker Desktop includes it. It is not installed yet: get Docker here, then say “done”.

From the terminal

$ docker --version && docker compose version # both must answer
# not there? → https://docs.docker.com/get-docker/ (Docker Desktop includes Compose)

Once both commands answer, move to Quickstart →

forge 1.56.0 · tested on Docker Desktop 4.x and Docker Engine 24+.