docker / docker-credential-helpers

Software Architecture Outline

This outline describes the software architecture of the Docker credential helpers project, located at https://github.com/docker/docker-credential-helpers.

Overview

The Docker credential helpers project provides a mechanism for storing and retrieving Docker credentials securely, facilitating access to private Docker registries. The project employs a modular architecture, separating different credential storage and retrieval mechanisms into individual helper programs.

Structure

The project’s codebase is organized into the following directories:

  • helpers: Contains implementations of individual credential helpers, each responsible for a specific storage mechanism.
  • common: Shared libraries and utilities used by multiple credential helpers.
  • test: Unit and integration tests for credential helpers and common libraries.
  • tools: Scripts and utilities for building, testing, and packaging the project.

Dependencies

The project depends on the following libraries and tools:

  • Go: The programming language used to implement the credential helpers.
  • Docker CLI: The Docker command-line interface used for interacting with Docker.
  • Docker Engine: The Docker runtime environment responsible for managing Docker containers.

Design Patterns

The project employs the following design patterns:

  • Plugin Architecture: Different credential helpers are implemented as separate plugins, allowing users to choose the most suitable helper for their needs.
  • Command Line Interface (CLI): Credential helpers are invoked as command-line programs, enabling integration with the Docker CLI.
  • Configuration Management: Credential helpers support configuration files to customize their behavior and store credentials securely.

Examples

  • docker-credential-ecr helper: This helper is responsible for storing and retrieving credentials for Amazon ECR registries. tree/master/helpers/ecr
  • docker-credential-gcloud helper: This helper retrieves credentials from Google Cloud Platform using the gcloud CLI. tree/master/helpers/gcloud
  • docker-credential-pass helper: This helper utilizes the pass program to store and retrieve credentials securely. tree/master/helpers/pass

Testing

The project includes comprehensive unit and integration tests to ensure the functionality and security of credential helpers. Tests are located in the test directory.

Development

The project encourages contributions from the community and provides clear guidelines for development in the CONTRIBUTING.md file. CONTRIBUTING.md

Security

The project prioritizes security and implements best practices for handling sensitive credentials. It uses industry-standard security libraries and tools to ensure data protection and integrity.