Are you still unclear on the differences between Docker vs VM? We answer the key questions about Docker, its networking and deployment requirements in this post and how is it different from other forms of virtualisation technologies. We will also share our feedback on whether it is the right fit for your virtualisation needs.
What is Docker?
Docker is a containerization technology, while virtual machines are full-fledged servers with an independent operating system. Docker containers include only the necessary components to run an application, while VMs include a full operating system. This makes docker containers much lighter and faster than VMs.
Both Docker containers and virtual machine runs can enable a production environment for software development in an isolated environment. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Docker is lighter and faster than a virtual machine, but it can only be run on platforms that support docker. Virtual machines are more heavyweight but can be run on any platform with a hypervisor.
Docker can be run on any platform that supports docker, while VMs require a hypervisor. This makes docker more portable than a virtual machine and makes it less resource intensive.
Docker can also run on top of a virtual machine, making it possible to use the best of both technologies. Read ahead to know more about Docker and VM to decide which virtualisation option is the right fit for your application hosting needs:
What are virtual machines?
Virtual machine (VMs) are full-fledged, isolated operating systems that run on top of a physical host operating system. VMs have all the same capabilities as physical machines, including the ability to run multiple applications and processes simultaneously.
A virtual machine is more heavyweight than docker containers, but they offer more flexibility and can be run on any platform with a hypervisor like VMware with its own independent operating system and better overall security as it runs on its stand-alone operating system.
Key differences between Docker vs VM
Containers are lighter and faster than virtual machines, but they can only be run on platforms that support docker. Virtual machines are more heavyweight but can be run on any platform with a hypervisor that is hosted on a physical server.
Docker containers can be run on any platform that supports docker, while VMs require a hypervisor. This makes docker more portable than VMs.
Docker containers can be run on top of virtual machines, making it possible to use the best of both technologies.
Operating System Support
Containers are only executed on systems that provide the docker runtime and containers share the host operating system kernel. Whereas, virtual machines may be used on any hardware with a hypervisor, although virtual machines can only run on operating systems that support them.
Is Docker better than a virtual machine?
If you need a lightweight, portable solution that can be run on any platform with docker container support, then Docker is the better choice. Also, containers are most cost saving as they are lightweight and easy to deploy.
If you need a more heavyweight solution that offers more flexibility and can be run on any platform with a hypervisor, then virtual machines are the better choice.
Is Docker a VM or container?
Docker is a containerisation technology, while VMs are full-fledged virtual machines. Containers include only the necessary components to run an application, while VMs include a full operating system. This makes docker much lighter and faster than VMs.
How do I install Docker containers?
There are many ways to set up a Docker container. One popular way is to use docker-machine, which is a tool that can be used to create and manage docker hosts.
Is Container image the future of virtualisation?
Docker is a very popular container technology, but it is not the only option. There are many other container runtime technologies available, and it is hard to say which one will be the most popular in the future.
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration tool that can be used to manage Docker containers at scale. Kubernetes is often used in conjunction with docker to provide a complete container management solution.
How is Docker different from Kubernetes?
Docker is a technology that helps you put software in containers. Kubernetes makes it possible to run and manage those containers on multiple servers in a cloud computing environment.
Docker and Kubernetes are two essential pieces of modern software development.
How secure are Docker containers?
As container images share the same guest OS (operating system) and system resources, isolation of the host OS and the host kernel from the container has to be done by the DevOps admin to ensure network and os kernel isolation.
As containers share the host kernel, any vulnerabilities in the kernel could potentially be exploited by a malicious container. Second, they can access each other’s files if they are run with the same user id. This means that it is important to properly isolate containers from each other to prevent one container from accessing another container’s data.
How do you isolate Containers?
There are many ways to isolate container images, but the most common way is to use Docker’s built-in security features. Docker provides a way to create isolated networks, and it is also possible to use docker’s advanced capabilities to further isolate individual container images.
How do I create a Docker volume backup?
There are many ways to create backups of docker volumes, but the most common way is to use docker’s built-in backup tool, docker-volume-backup. This tool can be used to create backups of docker volumes regularly, and it is also possible to restore these backups if necessary.
What is a Docker repository?
A docker repository is a place where docker images are stored. Docker Hub is the most popular docker repository, but there are many others available.
What is a Docker image?
A docker image is a file that contains all the necessary information to create a container. Docker images can be created from scratch, or they can be based on other docker images.
Migrating Docker Containers between Public Cloud Providers
Unlike traditional virtual machines, which are tied to a specific hypervisor or virtualization platform, docker containers can be easily migrated between different public cloud providers, making it easier for developers to take advantage of the infrastructure that best meets their needs. Additionally, containers can also be used in conjunction with traditional virtual machines, allowing you to mix and match different virtualization technologies depending on your needs.
If you as a Devops engineer are considering migrating your docker containers between public cloud providers, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to ensure that the docker platform is available on your target cloud provider.
Additionally, you’ll need to understand the various networking options available for Docker and ensure that your applications are configured to work with these networking options. Finally, you’ll need to be aware of any performance, portability, and cost limitations that may be associated with migrating docker containers between public cloud providers, such as data transfer fees or licensing costs.
What are the benefits of using Containers?
Containers have many benefits, but the most notable ones are their portability and its performance. Containers can be run on any host system using virtual machines or hardware server that supports Docker resulting in more cost savings as they require fewer system resources than a traditional hardware host machine. The portability of containers across cloud platforms is also another key feature as most cloud providers support docker and virtual host OS.
What are the drawbacks of using docker?
Docker has a few drawbacks, but the most notable ones are its lack of Windows support and its lack of a graphical user interface.
What is the difference between LXC Containers and Docker?
Docker containers are based on LXC containers, but they are not the same thing. LXC containers are more low-level and can be used to create any type of container, while docker containers are designed specifically for running docker images.
Can I use Docker on Virtual Machine?
It depends on your needs. If you need to run docker on a Windows machine, then you will need to use VirtualBox. If you need to run docker on a Linux machine, then you can use either VirtualBox or Docker.
Why microservices are better served with Docker vs VM?
Microservices are better served with docker because containers are more portable and easier to orchestrate. Containers can also be run on any platform that supports docker, which makes it easier to deploy microservices.
What is the common use case for Docker?
The common use case for docker is to create portable and isolated application environments. Docker containers can also be used to create development and test environments.
What are some alternatives to Docker?
Some alternatives to docker are rkt, lxc, and coreos. These alternatives all provide possible to run and manage docker containers.
How do you set up networking in Docker?
There are a few different ways to set up networking in docker, but the most common way to isolate containers sharing the same underlying network is to use docker’s built-in network drivers. Docker provides a few different networking drivers, and it is also possible to use docker’s container technology capabilities to further customize the networking.
What is the Docker engine?
The docker engine is the heart of docker, and it is responsible for running docker containers. The docker engine can be run on any platform that supports docker.
What is Docker composed?
Docker compose is a tool that can be used to define and run multi-container docker applications. Docker compose is typically used in the development and test environments.
Hypervisor vs Docker – Can Both Co-Exist?
With the increasing popularity of container technologies like Docker, many businesses are wondering whether Docker is a replacement for virtual machines. In short, the answer is no – containers and virtual machines can both co-exist in today’s modern IT landscape.
At its core, Docker is a form of lightweight virtualisation technology that allows users to easily create and run application containers. These containers are designed to be portable and fast, making them ideal for applications that need to quickly scale up or down. In contrast, virtual machines provide a more complete virtualisation solution, offering users the ability to run entire operating systems within an isolated environment.
While Docker and VM both serve different purposes, there are many scenarios where both Docker and VM can be used together. For example, Docker might be used to quickly spin up a container for a testing or development environment, while a virtual machine can be used for more critical applications that require greater security and stability.
Overall, Docker and virtual machines have their strengths and weaknesses, making them both valuable tools in the modern IT landscape. Whether you are looking for a fast, lightweight solution for your applications or a more complete virtualization platform, Docker and VM are both virtualization technologies that have some unique benefits to offer. So if you’re considering using Docker or a hypervisor based VM in your organisation, be sure to carefully consider your needs and choose the solution that best fits those requirements.
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