Containerization is a lightweight virtualization method that allows applications to run in isolated environments called containers. Containers package an application and its dependencies (libraries, binaries, and configuration files) together so that it can run consistently across different computing environments, such as development, testing, and production.
Key Features of Containerization:
1. Isolation: Containers are isolated from each other and the host system, which allows multiple containers to run on the same host without interfering with each other.
2. Portability: Since containers include everything the application needs to run, they can easily be moved between different environments (e.g., from a developer’s laptop to a cloud server).
3. Efficiency: Containers are lightweight compared to traditional virtual machines because they share the host operating system’s kernel, which reduces resource overhead.
4. Fast Deployment: Containers can start up quickly, allowing for rapid deployment and scaling.
Popular Containerization Tools:
• Docker: The most widely used container platform that allows developers to easily build, package, and share containerized applications.
• Podman: Another container management tool, similar to Docker, but designed with additional security features.