🛟 Buoy 🛟

Fast. Simple. Private.

A lightning-fast dashboard for managing localhost services, Docker containers, and VNC sessions—100% locally, with zero cloud dependencies.

Quick Summary

Buoy is a unified dashboard that gives you instant control over your local development environment. Monitor any service running on localhost, manage Docker containers with ease, launch VNC sessions, and keep track of all your local services—all from a clean, simple interface that runs entirely on your machine. No internet required. No third-party services. No tracking.

Why Buoy?

• ⚡ Blazing Fast: Native performance with instant startup
• 🎯 Dead Simple: Auto-detects Docker, no configuration needed, dynamically updated with with added/removed/edited containers
• 🔒 Truly Private: Everything stays on your machine
• 📴 Works Offline: No internet connection required
• 🎭 Seperate Workspace: Why clutter your web browser while developing

Preview

🔍 Basic Examples

🚢 Step 3: Docker Hello World Output

🟢 Step 4: Node Express Page

⚡ Step 5: Nginx Web Server Page

How to Use

Installation

Option 1: Download Pre-built Release (Recommended)

1. Download the latest release for your platform (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
2. Install the application
3. Launch Buoy

Option 2: Build from Source

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/buoy.git
   cd buoy

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Run in development mode:

   npm start

4. Or build for your platform:

   npm run make

   The built application will be in the out directory.

Prerequisites

• Docker: (optional) Install Docker Desktop or Docker Engine

Getting Started

1. Launch the App: Open Buoy from your applications menu
2. View Docker Containers: The dashboard instantly displays all your Docker containers
3. Manage Containers: Click on containers to start, stop, or view details
4. Monitor Services: Keep Buoy running to monitor your local development environment

Key Features

⚡ Speed & Simplicity

• Instant Startup: Launch in milliseconds, not seconds
• Zero Configuration: Auto-detects Docker installation and containers
• Clean Interface: See everything at a glance, no clutter
• Native Performance: Built with Electron for desktop-class speed
• Saved Session: Bookmarked containers/webapps

🌐 Localhost Service Management

• Monitor any service running on localhost ports
• Quick access to all your local development servers
• See what's running where at a glance

🐳 Docker Management (Buoy's Specialty)

• View all running and stopped containers instantly
• Start, stop, and manage containers with one click
• Monitor container health and resource usage in real-time
• See exposed ports and port mappings
• Best-in-class Docker integration

🖥️ VNC Integration

• Connect to VNC-enabled containers and virtual machines
• Launch VNC sessions directly from Buoy
• Manage multiple VNC connections simultaneously
• Local network only—no external exposure

🔒 Privacy First

• 100% Local: Everything runs on your machine. No data leaves your computer. (unless otherwise configured in docker)
• No Cloud Dependencies: No relay servers, no third-party services, no external infrastructure
• Offline Capable: Works completely offline. No internet connection required.
• Zero Telemetry: No tracking, no analytics, no phone-home

What Problems Does It Solve?

The Privacy Problem with ngrok and Tangram

• Tangram I liked tangram however it lacked VNC support just as firefox did.
• Chrome Chrome worked but i wanted something seperate from the web that would still save a dev environment and not clutter what is used for a browser.

ngrok Limitations:

• Third-Party Relay: All traffic routes through ngrok's cloud servers
• Data Exposure: Your development traffic passes through external infrastructure
• Trust Requirement: You must trust ngrok with potentially sensitive development data
• Internet Dependency: Requires active internet connection
• Potential Logging: Traffic may be logged or monitored
• Cost for Privacy: Advanced privacy features require paid plans

Tangram and Similar App Limitations:

• Cloud-Based: Relies on external services for tunneling
• Limited Control: You don't control the infrastructure
• Vendor Lock-in: Dependent on their service availability
• Privacy Concerns: Development data transits through third-party servers
• No VNC Support: Cannot manage or connect to VNC sessions
• Or Outdated

Browser Privacy Concerns:

• Chrome: Extensive fingerprinting and tracking built into the browser itself
• Firefox: While more privacy-focused, still phones home with telemetry and update checks
• Both: Require internet connectivity and expose browsing patterns

How Buoy is Different

Buoy takes a fundamentally different approach:

1. No External Services: Everything runs locally. Your code never leaves your machine.

2. True Privacy: No third party can access, log, or monitor your development work.

3. Complete Control: You own and control every aspect of your development environment.

4. Local Network Only: Services are accessible only on your local network or machine.

5. No Subscription Required: Free and open-source. No paid tiers for basic privacy.

6. Offline Development: Work anywhere, anytime, without internet connectivity.

7. No Browser Fingerprinting: Native desktop app with no tracking or telemetry.

Technical Details

• Built with: Electron, Node.js
• Docker Integration: Uses Docker Engine API
• Cross-Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux