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AI Workbench Container Runtimes#

NVIDIA AI Workbench builds and runs a unique container for each of your Workbench Projects.

By using containers, you can switch between different environments and configurations, without worrying about conflicts or compatibility issues. You choose a container runtime when you install AI Workbench.

Use this documentation to learn about the following container runtimes:

Docker#

Docker is a popular, all-in-one platform for creating, managing and deploying containers. Depending on your company size and revenue, you might need a paid license to use Docker. Docker uses a client-server architecture, with the docker daemon running as a persistent background process.

Podman#

Podman is an open-source container runtime and management tool originally developed by Red Hat. Podman employs a daemon-less architecture, and launches containers as child processes that do not require superuser privileges. AI Workbench uses rootless Podman.

Change Your Container Runtime#

You choose a container runtime when you first install AI Workbench. If you want to change your container runtime, use the following steps:

  1. Close the AI Workbench Desktop Application, or in the CLI run the following command:

    $ nvwb deactivate <LOCAL_OR_REMOTE_CONTEXT>

  2. Open a command shell by doing one of the following:

    On macOS or Ubuntu

    Open your favorite command shell, such as terminal.

    On Windows

    Open the WSL app by searching for WSL in your app list. When the WSL app opens, you should see a command prompt similar to the following:

    workbench@computer-name:~$

    Tip

    You can also use Terminal, Command Prompt, or Windows PowerShell, and access WSL by using the following command:

    wsl -d NVIDIA-Workbench

  3. Enter the following command:

    cd ~/.nvwb

  4. Run the following command and verify that you see the file config.yaml:

    ls

  5. Use your favorite editor to open the file config.yaml. For example, run the following code:

    nano config.yaml

  6. Edit the buildtime and runtime entries to the container runtime that you prefer. Both entries must match. Valid values are docker and podman.

    container:
    buildtime: docker
    runtime: docker
container:
    buildtime: podman
    runtime: podman

  7. Save your changes and close the file. Your default container runtime is now set to the new runtime.

  8. Restart the AI Workbench Desktop Application, or in the CLI run the following command:

    nvwb activate <LOCAL_OR_REMOTE_CONTEXT>

    Important

    On macOS and Windows, you must rebuild existing projects after you change your container runtime.