What are Linux Containers?

In contrast to traditional applications where all components are developed in one piece, some types of applications become easier to build and maintain when they are broken down into smaller pieces that work synchronously.

Applications that are built as modular components are easier to understand, test and maintain. Naturally, this makes your organization more agile. Organizations can benefit from time reduction, scalability, and resilience.

So, what are Linux Containers?

Linux Containers are a set of one or more processes that are isolated from the rest of the system.

Simply put, Containers are software packaging applications that isolate only those components that are needed for its operation. Containers encapsulate software/service, application, all of its dependencies and a minimal amount of runtime applications that it needs to perform its function.

Linux Containers are therefore very similar to traditional Virtual Machines.

But then,

How are Linux Containers different from traditional VMs?

A traditional Virtual Machine requires its own kernel of full-sized OS.

However, Containers share an Operating system kernel. This means that each container requires only a few basic components of OS to run. For example, ARM Linux systems run ARM Linux containers, x86 Linux systems run x86 Linux containers, x86 Windows systems run x86 Windows containers. Linux containers are extremely portable, but they must be compatible with the underlying system.

Image source: RedHat

What are the Benefits of Deploying Containers vs VMs?

1. Very Fast Startup Time

Containers start-up in a few seconds or less, compared to traditional VMs that typically require a few minutes. This is because containers do not need for the entire OS to boot up before it starts functioning.

2. Highly portable

They are highly portable and lightweight due to their small sizes. Thus, you can easily move them across platforms.

3. Benefits of Open- Source

Building Linux containers can help you take leverage of a wide community of contributors. This helps to foster the rapid development of a wide ecosystem of related projects fitting the needs of all sorts of different organizations, big and small.

4. Fewer Resources

This translates directly into huge cost benefits as containers do not utilize as many resources as traditional Virtual Machines.

Containers are therefore highly relevant and very suitable in today's agile environment.

What do I need in-order to setup a Container service in my organization?

You will first need to start with a container engine. The most popular options are docker container engines ( a part of open-source projects) and Linux Containers (provided by Red Hat, Suse, and Google).

You also need tools to create, secure, maintain, and orchestrate to configure the entire lifecycles of containers ( covered in my next articles ).

Which Container solution would be suitable for my organization?

It depends. Typically, a managed service provider can consult you towards the adoption of a more agile approach. Consider a consultation with General Technologies Here.

In the following weeks, we will discuss the tools to create, secure and maintain containers.