Container technology
Container technology
(also OS-level virtualization)
Container technology definition
Container technology, frequently called OS-level virtualization, is a compact, self-contained, executable software package. It encompasses everything necessary to operate an application, including the code, runtime, system tools, libraries, and configurations. As a result, this technology offers a streamlined method for packaging and executing applications consistently, irrespective of the deployment environment.
See also: host virtual machine, docker, micro virtual machine
Container technology examples
- DevOps: Container technology is integral to DevOps as it facilitates continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD).
- Microservices: It allows the development of applications as a collection of small, loosely coupled services.
Advantages and disadvantages of container technology
Pros:
- Lightweight: Containers share the host system’s OS kernel, making them significantly lighter than virtual machines.
- Portability: Containers ensure that applications will run the same, regardless of the deployment environment.
Cons:
- Isolation: Containers don’t isolate applications as well as virtual machines since they share the host OS.
- Security: There are potential security risks if the container runtime or the host system is compromised.
Using container technology
- Ensure you’re using a trusted container image from a verified source to avoid potential security risks.
- Implement best practices for container security, like minimal base images, regular patching, and using user namespaces.