Improve Docker Validation Error Messages for Clarity

[github-actions]

Problem

When Docker is not installed or the daemon is not running, users see error messages suggesting they "remove container-based tools." This phrase is unclear and doesn't help users understand their actual options.

Current Error Messages:

• Line 96: "docker not installed - could not validate container image '%s'. Install Docker or remove container-based tools"
• Line 104: "docker daemon not running - could not validate container image '%s'. Start Docker Desktop or remove container-based tools"

Issue

The phrase "remove container-based tools" fails to:

1. Explain what "container-based tools" means in a workflow context
2. Help users understand when Docker is optional vs. required
3. Point to specific configuration locations
4. Provide clear decision-making guidance

Solution

Replace vague suggestions with specific, actionable alternatives:

Line 96 - Docker not installed:

"docker not installed - could not validate container image '%s'. To use container-based MCP servers, install Docker ((docs.docker.com/redacted) Alternatively, remove any 'container:' entries from your MCP configuration"
```

**Line 104** - Docker daemon not running:
```
"docker daemon not running - could not validate container image '%s'. Start Docker Desktop or the Docker daemon. Alternatively, remove any 'container:' entries from your MCP configuration"

Impact

• User Clarity: Users understand exactly what "container-based tools" means
• Self-Service: Users can independently diagnose and resolve Docker-related issues
• Configuration Awareness: Users learn about MCP configuration alternatives
• Documentation Link: Docker installation link helps new users

Files to Modify

• pkg/workflow/docker_validation.go (lines 96 and 104)

Type

Improvement - Error Message Clarity

Labels

• enhancement
• user-experience
• docker

📊 User experience analysis by Delight · ◷

• expires on Mar 12, 2026, 11:34 AM UTC