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I am not sure whether to run with Docker or run locally. Which one should I choose?

Use this quick comparison to choose a run mode.

Mode Good Bad Best for
Docker run Fastest setup; reproducible environment; fewer dependency/version issues; easier onboarding for new users Docker install required; container startup overhead; file mounts/permissions can be confusing; less convenient for editing internals First-time users, tutorials, shared team workflows, reproducible reruns
Local run Direct access to local files/tools; easier debugging and profiling; no container boundary; easier to customize and extend More setup effort; dependency conflicts are more likely; environments can drift across machines Power users, developers, custom pipelines, tight integration with local tooling/HPC modules

Quick decision rule

  • Choose Docker if your priority is getting started quickly and reproducibly.
  • Choose local if your priority is deep customization, debugging, or development.

  • Docker guide: Run with Docker

  • Local guide: Run Locally