Getting into Linux containers and wondering if you should use LXC or Docker? Then this post is for you. In this post, we will explore what they are, their key features, and the primary use cases of both platforms. Wrapping things up with how to choose the right one for your needs.
Introduction
Although containers and virtual machines both allow you to isolate multiple environments on a single host, they aren’t the same. The way these technologies accomplish the result is completely different.
Like the shipping industry that uses physical containers to transport and isolate different shipments. Container technologies, package and isolate software with everything needed to run the specific software.
What Is LXC?
Only Supported on the Linux operating system
LXC containers are containers created using built-in Linux kernel containment features. You can think of them as in between a chroot and a virtual machine in regards to containment. Their goal is to provide as close as possible isolation to a standard Linux installation without needing a separate kernel.
There are two types of LXC containers privileged and unprivileged containers. Privileged containers can be thought of as the old-style of containers, these containers should only be used when unprivileged containers aren’t an option and where you trust the container’s user with root access to the host system. Unprivileged containers on the other hand can be considered root-safe so even if you give someone root in the container they won’t have root access to the host system and a virtual machine.
What Is Docker?
Supported on: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Docker is another container platform, though unlike LXC because it isn’t Linux specific it can’t rely solely on Linux kernel features. Docker simplifies the process of devolving, shipping, and running applications by using containers.
The volume of applications already available as a docker container from docker hub and other docker image registries is not to be underestimated. Some of the most popular software images are pulled on the factor of millions in a week.
Key Features
Although these aren’t all the features, I feel these key features help with getting a feel for what each platform does best.
LXC
- Full Linux Systems: LXC allows you to run full Linux distributions within containers, making it possible to run more than one container on a single server.
- Live Migration: You can live-migrate running containers from one host to another without the need for downtime.
- Pre-built Templates: There are many prebuilt LXC images of different Linux distributions available, making it rather handy to test.
- Direct Kernel Interaction: LXC hooks into the Linux kernel directly, this allows LXC to take advantage of features you only find on Linux.
Docker
- Application-Level Containerization: More focused on application-level contamination, compared to LXC.
- Dockerfile: This is a script that lets you build from a base image, this could be to add functionality or create a whole new container.
- Cloud Image Repository: Many cloud registries host docker images. Although Docker Hub is used by default. It provides both official and community-made images making it easy to find pre-built images.
- Docker Compose: With docker compose, you can multi-container applications with a single YAML file, simplifying the setup of interconnected containers.
Conclusion
When it comes to running a Linux container the choice to use LXC vs Docker containers comes down to what you plan on running. The best way to go about this is to ask yourself the question below.
Do I plan on working inside the container (need access to other OS tools) or I am looking for something where I can quickly spin up a specific application?
For the first, you’re likely going to want to LXC container and for the latter, a docker container would likely be more beneficial.
Additional Links
Done reading and looking for additional reading material why not check these links out?
Embracing a lifelong passion for technology since childhood, CJ delved into the intricate workings of systems, captivated by the desire to understand the unknown. This innate curiosity led to his discovery of Linux, a revelation that resonated deeply. With more than 7 years of on the job experience, he’s honed his technical skills as a Geek and Senior Linux Systems Administrator.
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