What are the valid docker alternatives?

Containers, as we all know, bring a revolutionary change in modern application design. However, you will need docker to orchestrate it for its perfect operation. Nowadays, Docker is becoming a popular tool to orchestrate these containers. It also makes container deployment simple. That’s why developers didn’t think about any Docker alternatives.

Before Docker, developers were using virtualization machines on a single host. However, there were issues with it like resource waste, interference between shared resources, security issues, and so on. In this regard, Docker is a fantastic container orchestrating tool. It adds a better value than other technologies no doubt. But there are several other alternatives too. And some developers & companies are using these alternatives.

In this article, we will discuss what are these docker alternatives and why developers use them. So, let's get this discussion started!?

Why Do We Use Docker Alternatives??

Docker offers an open-source platform for the container's smooth development, checking, deployment, and management. But many administrations tend to use Docker alternatives for some cons of dockers. Some developers accuse Docker of slowing down containers rather than making them fast enough.

Although it uses resources more efficiently than a virtual machine, it will use as many system resources as the kernel scheduler on the host authorizes. As a result, it won't be able to help you speed up your app. Also, the CPU power is wasted.

Even if the difference is little, some people prefer not to take any chances. There are some other reasons to use docker alternatives,? such as

• Latency in performance for underlying networking, interfacing with the host server.
• Bad experience on Mac OS.
• Difficult for security monitoring.?
• Difficult in storing, managing data, and undesired loss for the sudden shutdown.
• Requires root privilege.
• Difficult to learn and program.
• Using graphical interfaces here is inconvenient.

Docker Alternatives

Developers currently use these docker alternatives to meet the current needs. Nowadays, 7 docker alternatives are popular with the developers.

1. Podman

It’s a daemonless open-source virtualization engine to operate containers well. Its command-line interfaces are quite similar to Docker ones. So, Docker developers can easily migrate and use Podman. Its other features are?

• No requirement for root access.
• Gives more security and improved flexibility.
• Better compatibility with different operating systems.
• Uses a runtime process to interface with the kernel and registry directly.
• It is more robust and in command.

Also, an additional feature is you can move the extra workload to Kubernetes more easily.?

2.Kubernetes

Kubernetes is a popular container orchestration docker alternative developed by Google. It controls many containers and workloads in physical, virtual, or cloud environments. It works as an API to provide better service with containers. Also?

• Ideal for running multiple containerized apps and nodes.
• Helps you to improve security, network, and other aspects.
• Have an automated node rescheduling mechanism for inactive nodes.?
• Have a built-in isolation mechanism.
• Less complexity in managing containers with resources.?

It shares hosts between hybrid, public, and private clouds. Its additional feature is you can use docker with Kubernetes.

3.OpenVZ

According to users, It's a Linux-based program with the same capabilities and functions as docker. But it can do more than that.?

• On a Linux server, users may simply create isolated Linux containers.
• Containers can have their root access, RAM, IP address, libraries, and other features.
• Developers can share virtual servers between multiple physical servers.
• Uses lower resources.

The interesting thing is it can host the virtual private server, in short, VPN technology in OpenVz containers.

4.Vagrant

Developers use it to construct, support, and maintain virtual and portable environments. Also

• Can create an image and share them on different compilers and libraries.?
• Simple virtualization
• can make similar virtual environments for app development, operation, and delivery.?
• Doesn’t reset the image after a restart.

The main thing is, it replicates multiple conditioned virtual environments across multiple virtual areas and OS.

5.Containerd

It had run as a part of docker before. But now, Containerd is a standalone tool. It serves as a link between the engine and the container runtime. Also

• Can provide a great amount of runtime depending on demands.
• Can run CRI with the help of its plugin.
• Supports both Windows and Linux
• Container creation, push and pull functionality, Snapshot management, and so on are all available.

It's a decent docker alternative for providing a simple, reliable, and portable container runner. That is why it is becoming popular.

6.Rancher

It is very popular for orchestrating container clusters. According to the opinions of developers and administrators, they use it to manage a large number of challenging clusters with unique configurations. It also can?

• Built on Kubernetes to easily test, deploy, and manage apps.
• Easy to debug.
• Greater security.
• No manual work and offers you hassle-free cluster management.

Its specialty is, it can turn and drive a complex environment much easier and can automate the whole process.??

7.Linux Containers(LXC)

As its name indicates, LXC is a Linux-based engine to manage containers. It is an older component but it's making a comeback with upgrading itself by making up for the shortcomings docker has. Like?

• Build multiple Linux isolated areas on a single machine.
• Provides good security.
• Improved disk performance and volume management.?
• Virtually lighter than docker and uses less system power.
• Capable of storing and running data-intensive programs and procedures.
• Act as a VM to support ‘Copy on write’.

Its additional feature is that It acts as a hypervisor to separate system files, networking features, and apps.

Conclusion:

There are other alternatives to take Docker's position in the globe. These 7 docker alternative is preferred by most developers around the world. But it doesn’t decide the usage areas of these alternatives. One thing can not be all perfect. These alternatives also have some cons too.

So, if you're considering how you'll determine which one to choose or try on, consider the following. If you're having issues with Docker and one of the alternatives meets your needs, you can definitely go for it. It will be a plus point if you are aware of the capabilities of docker alternatives.