What is difference between Docker and Docker Desktop?

Question

I am using a mac and apparently installing Docker Desktop is mandatory to use Docker in macOS. Why Docker Desktop is required in Mac and Windows OS, and not in Linux? What purpose Docker Desktop serves? I have tried googling it but can't find appropriate answers.

Answer 1

docker desktop for both mac and windows is using a Linux virtual machine behind the scenes for running regular docker daemon.

Reference That state docker for windows is using WSL2 which is running a VM.
Here there is a mention of backing up docker VM on docker for mac.

Docker Desktop handles the setup and teardown of lightweight VMs on both Windows and macOS, using Hyper-V on Windows desktops and Hyperkit on macOS.

From docker blog .