# nerdctl

> nerdctl is a Docker-compatible command line client for containerd, with support for Compose, image building and lazy pulling.

- Source: https://www.itwonderlab.com/nerdctl/
- Published: 2026-08-17
- Updated: 2026-08-17
- Author: Javier Ruiz Jiménez (https://www.javierruizjimenez.com/)
- Site: IT Wonder Lab (https://www.itwonderlab.com/)

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**nerdctl** gives [containerd](https://www.itwonderlab.com/containerd/) the same commands as the `docker` CLI: `nerdctl run`, `nerdctl build`, `nerdctl compose up`. It is the client of [Rancher Desktop](https://www.itwonderlab.com/rancher-desktop/) when the containerd engine is selected.

### Key concepts

- **Namespaces**: containerd namespaces separate images, `k8s.io` is the one Kubernetes uses.
- **Compatible** with Dockerfiles and Compose files.

### Learn it

Read [containerd vs dockerd in Rancher Desktop](https://www.itwonderlab.com/rancher-desktop-containerd-vs-dockerd/).