What Are Containers in Linux and Their Advantages

A very common topic in the Linux universe is the creation of containers, which are responsible for executing specific tasks within the operating system, making the routine easier for those who use the OS professionally.

This resource allows for time optimization and agility, since they gather strategic processes within Linux, perfect for those who work with development and programming. 

Despite being very popular, the use of containers can cause confusion among beginners in the field. 

With that in mind, the Certificação Linux team developed this complete content, with everything you need to know about the topic. Just continue reading. Check it out! 

Containers and VMs on Linux: what are they?

Containers and virtual machines (VMs) are excellent ways to test, develop, and produce new systems, with low cost and easy handling. 

Each of these tools has its own characteristics and functionalities. You can choose the one that best fits your goals and expectations to get started.

Virtual Machines (VMs)

Virtual Machines (VM) are software that allow the execution of multiple programs at the same time, in different languages, on the same operating system. 

A good example of a virtual machine is VirtualBox, a free open-source software that can be used on any operating system, from Windows to Linux and macOS.

With VMs, it is possible to choose an operating system and run it on top of the operating system already installed on the same hardware. 

Thus, the main purpose of virtual machines is to allow an operating system to be used without replacing the one already installed, enabling software development in other languages and in specific applications present in only one OS. 

Virtual machines are similar to containers in terms of virtualization, meaning they allow other functions to be executed without the need to install programs or affect the processing and storage of the system. 

Despite this, containers can be even more specific and create isolated environments, divided by processing layers.

Containers

Containers are combinations of processes and functionalities present in the operating system, which allow virtualizing some activities, such as the emulation and testing of software and programs under development. 

After all, inside this container is everything the process needs to be executed and configured: from various libraries to binary codes. 

All of this is only possible because they can share the Linux kernel, which is fully modularized. 

With it, it is possible to produce more compact systems, saving time and resources for companies. 

It is important to note that the main difference between virtual machines and containers is the range of available applications. 

Containers are designed to execute one responsibility at a time, delegating each function to a different container, while virtual machines can execute multiple functions simultaneously. 

Thus, with containers it is possible to isolate the responsibilities and processes of each tool, making it much faster and more efficient, resulting in a fully flexible infrastructure. 

This favors the performance of systems and applications developed through them, ensuring resource savings for companies and greater scalability.

Benefits of using containers

There are many benefits to using containers for developing applications and keeping them running. 

After all, containers make the entire process simpler and lighter, as you can see below. 

Efficiency and resource savings

By not occupying storage space or processing power, containers can be super efficient and advantageous, allowing testing, maintenance, and error and process correction with incredible agility. 

The resource savings also happen due to the simple structure that containers provide, without the need to invest in extra tools and items, as was the case before.

As development is made easier, more items can be produced in a short period of time, generating greater profitability for companies that adopt this technology. 

Greater portability

Another very important advantage of containers on Linux is portability, meaning if you need to transport all the work and systems created in containers to cloud platforms, for example, this is totally possible. 

Not just on the cloud, but on any other operating system, hardware, or platform that may be necessary. 

Thus, you don't risk losing your production or being "stuck" to just one system — portability brings with it freedom of operations. 

Security

Finally, another characteristic feature of Linux containers is the security of data and information contained in them.

Access is restricted, available only to the user who uses it and to anyone they wish to share the project with. 

What is the Linux Containers Project (LXC)?

Linux Containers is a project whose central objective is to offer a neutral environment, without predominant distributions, providing a fully open-source platform. 

With this project, the professional's trajectory is facilitated through simple-to-execute commands that can be replicated, allowing the container initialization process to be favored. 

Within the Linux Containers Project, you can find several container options, such as LXC, which is extremely flexible and covers virtually all containment features supported by the upstream kernel.

Docker and containers: understanding the relationship

Docker technology (learn what Docker is) allows you to create new images inside containers in layers, in a simple way, capable of being shared with other users and developers. Get to know the Docker commands.

Docker uses the Linux kernel to create new processes and separate them according to their classes. 

This way, it's possible to maintain a secure, efficient, and shareable structure, fully viable for those who work with team development.

Despite seeming complex at first glance, Docker and Linux containers are simple to execute and modify when you have the right strategies and the ideal information source. 

The best way to understand everything about Docker and use it like an expert at work is to seek information and guidance from the right source, from someone who knows the subject.

This way, the online Docker for DevOps course from Certificação Linux is the perfect knowledge source. In the course, you will learn everything about how to install Docker and Build Images.

You will also understand more in depth how Linux containers work in practice, applying the knowledge with direct and effective exercises.

Learn to configure Docker with the online course from Certificação Linux!

Conclusion

Did you notice how Linux containers are great tools for developers' daily work? 

Containers are even better than Virtual Machines and offer incredible cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and security. 

If you like this type of content, what about checking out the other articles available right here on the Certificação Linux Blog? 

The content we share here are excellent information sources and can help you stay on top of this amazing Linux universe. It's worth checking out!