Containerization
Definition
Containerization is a lightweight alternative to full machine virtualization that involves encapsulating an application in a "container" with its own operating environment. Unlike VMs, containers share the host system’s kernel.
Why It Matters
Containers are much more lightweight and faster to start than VMs. They provide a consistent and portable environment for applications to run in, from a developer's laptop to a production server. This "build once, run anywhere" capability has revolutionized software development and deployment.
Contextual Example
Docker is the most popular containerization platform. A developer packages their application and all its dependencies into a Docker container. This container can then be run on any other machine with Docker installed, guaranteeing that it will work the same way everywhere.
Common Misunderstandings
- A container does not have its own full operating system; it shares the OS of the host machine.
- Kubernetes is a popular tool for managing and orchestrating large numbers of containers in production.