What is Docker and Why Is It So Popular?

Docker is a popular tool that is used to create, deploy, and run apps by using containers. Developers make use of docker containers to package applications using libraries and other dependencies. Docker makes the packaging process easier and lets developers ship their apps as a single package. The biggest reason for driving Docker’s popularity is that developers do not have to worry about compatibility. Applications built using Docker will run on any compatible OS regardless of custom settings deployed by users.

Docker essentially works like a virtual machine but it does not create a separate virtual operating system. Instead, it allows apps to make use of the same kernel as the user system. Developers need to ship their apps with only the dependencies not available on the host computer, which helps bring down the application sizes and also improves performance. Most importantly, Docker is an open source application and any developer can contribute to Docker and build features that may benefit their applications.

Docker allows developers to package and run apps in “containers”, but how does it work? Docker is capable of running multiple containers at the same time on a host computer. Since containers do not stress CPU resources too much, multiple instances can run at the same time. The need for a hypervisor is also eliminated in the process by making use of the host’s machine kernel.

Docker is so well-optimized that its containers can run within virtual host machines as well. The platform is capable of offering tools to manage the lifecycle of an app’s containers. Complete development is possible through the use of containers and all supporting components can be directly built into one package as well.

Once an app is developed, it becomes the unit for testing and distribution of applications. Once apps are ready to be shipped, developers can deploy their applications into the production environment as an orchestrated service or as a container. The apps will work within a local data center, a cloud provider as well as a hybrid solution of both options making it a highly flexible tool for development.

Docker has its own engine which is a client-server application that includes three major components – a server, a command-line interface, and a REST API.

Docker Containers are standard units of software that can package code and dependencies together. They allow apps to boot quickly and move across computing environments. A Docker container image acts as a standalone environment and does not stress system resources.

Typically, a dockers container contains system tools, libraries, settings, code, and runtime. Containers are available for both Windows and Linux systems. Containers isolate the software from its environment to ensure staging and development work properly.

Docker created the industry standard to enable applications to become portable and usable across multiple systems regardless of configuration and settings. Containers share system kernels and do not require operating systems per application. They enable high-efficiency, which, in turn, reduces the costs involved with server upkeep or licensing. Containers also offer a secure environment and the best possible isolation in the development industry.

The biggest advantage of Docker containers is the amount of cost-saving it offers. The return on investment when using Docker is very lucrative and it helps developers drive down costs while also improving profits. Docker is more lucrative for larger companies that want to generate solid revenue over a long period of time.

Docker facilitates long-term savings by reducing the amount of infrastructure and resources needed for development. The biggest difference in investment is visible when it comes to server costs. Using such efficient applications also requires fewer engineers to develop and manage them as well, which leads to lower human resource costs.