EN Providers

Compute providers

A compute provider is the container backend that creates sandbox and proxy containers. Select it with WHALESHELL_DRIVER (default: docker).

Provider	WHALESHELL_DRIVER	Maturity
Docker	docker	Default, full support
Podman	podman	Supported via Docker-compatible Engine API
Kubernetes	kubernetes	Experimental — see exp/KUBERNETES
MicroVM	vm	Experimental — see exp/MICROVM

Credential providers (--provider github, --provider cursor, …) are separate: they attach secrets and egress rules. See Credential providers.

Choose Docker when

• You already run Docker Engine or Docker Desktop.
• You need the widest image and networking compatibility.
• You follow the main tutorials and compose packaging.

Choose Podman when

• You prefer rootless containers on Linux.
• Policy requires a Docker-free host.
• You accept Engine-API parity (same labels, networks, sidecar layout) with known rootless networking caveats.

whaleshell status    # prints active driver