The Docker Registry HTTP API is the protocol to facilitate distribution of images to the docker engine. It interacts with instances of the docker registry, which is a service to manage information about docker images and enable their distribution. The specification covers the operation of version 2 of this API, known as Docker Registry HTTP API V2.
{% hint style="info" %} While the V1 registry protocol is usable, there are several problems with the architecture that have led to this new version. {% endhint %}
{% embed url="https://docs.docker.com/registry/spec/api/" %}