> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.heisenware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/agents/docker-agent.md).

# Docker Agent

The Docker Agent provides the same functionality as the [Native Agent](/app-builder/build-backend/agents/native-agent.md) but runs in an isolated Docker container. It is the right choice for edge gateways or servers where you already manage your infrastructure with Docker.

## Key differences

* **Containerized execution**: Runs in an isolated Docker container instead of directly on the host operating system.
* **Environment configuration**: Credentials are not built into an installer. You provide them as environment variables at startup.
* **Hardware and network access**: To reach local networks, USB devices, or persist data, use standard Docker features like host networking or volume mounting.
* **Platform independent**: Runs on any platform that supports Docker.

## Where to get it

The Docker Agent is available as a publicly downloadable image:

```
heisenware/docker-agent:<version>
```

Find all available versions on [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/r/heisenware/docker-agent).

## How to use it

Configure the following environment variables when running the container:

```bash
docker run -it \
-e HW_DOMAIN=<account>.<workspace> \
-e HW_BROKER=mqtts://<account>.heisenware.cloud \
-e HW_USERNAME=<username> \
-e HW_PASSWORD=<password> \
-e HW_AGENT_ID=<unique-id> \
heisenware/docker-agent:v91-slim
```

### Retrieving credentials

To get `HW_USERNAME` and `HW_PASSWORD`, first add a [VRPC integration](https://github.com/heisenware/heisenware-docs/tree/master/app-manager/integrations-inbound-connections.md#vrpc-client) in the App Manager.

### Example

For an account named `my-company`, an integration with the username `agentRunner`, and the password `secret`:

```bash
docker run -it \
-e HW_DOMAIN=my-company.default \
-e HW_BROKER=mqtts://my-company.heisenware.cloud \
-e HW_USERNAME=agentRunner \
-e HW_PASSWORD=secret \
-e HW_AGENT_ID=my-agent-1 \
heisenware/docker-agent:v91-slim
```

Once the connection is established, the console shows a confirmation screen indicating the Agent is online and connected to the workspace.

<figure><img src="/files/IgYQAmBoNJrrDu3pTUVo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Persisting data

To keep your data and configurations (such as created instances) across container restarts or updates, mount the `/shared` volume to a persistent location on your host machine:

```bash
-v /path/on/host:/shared
```


---

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