What is the Difference Between Docker and Container

The main difference between Docker and container is that a Docker is a platform to build, run and manage software containers while a container is a lightweight software that provides operating system virtualization to run applications and its dependencies in resource isolated processes.

A container is a software that bundles its own tools, libraries and configuration files. There can be multiple containers running in a single operating system kernel. Moreover, it is lightweight than a virtual machine. On the other hand, Docker is a software that helps to run and manage containers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Container
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is a Docker
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Docker and Container
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Container, Docker, Virtual Machine

Difference Between Docker and Container - Comparison Summary

What is a Container

Containers are an abstraction at the app layer that combines code and dependencies together. It virtualizes the operating system. Also, it is possible to run multiple containers on the same machine and share the OS kernel with other containers. Furthermore, each container works as isolated processes. In addition, a container is lightweight and requires a minimum storage space (megabytes). It also requires a minimum startup time. 

Moreover, a container provides multiple advantages. It reduces IP management resources and requires minimum code to transfer, migrate, upload workloads. Overall, a container provides a portable operating environment to carry on development, testing and deployment.

What is a Docker

A docker is a software platform to manage containers. The main focus of Docker is to help developers to easily develop applications, and ship them into a container to deploy them any time. Also, there are various components available in Docker. Docker for Mac runs Docker container on Mac OS. Similarly, there are Linux and Windows versions that allow running Docker in their respective platforms. The Docker Engine allows building Docker images and creating Docker containers. Docker hub is a registry that hosts various Docker images. Furthermore, Docker Compose helps to define applications using multiple Docker containers.

Difference Between Docker and Container

Figure 1: Docker

Docker provides multiple advantages. It allows team members in different units to perform tasks such as development, quality assurance etc. much easier. Also, it is possible to deploy Docker container in a physical device, virtual machine or cloud. Moreover, it is easily scalable and provides a default isolation capability to improve security.

Difference Between Docker and Container

Definition

Docker is a software platform to create, deploy and manage virtualized application containers on a common operating system with an ecosystem of allied tools. Conversely, Container is a lightweight alternative to full machine virtualization that involves encapsulating an application with its own operating environment.

Basis

Docker functions as a container management service. However, Container is a software that packages up the code and all its dependencies so that the applications can run quickly and reliability from one computing environment to another. This is the basic difference between Docker and Container. 

Usage

Docker improves scalability, improves security and makes the development process easier. Container, on the other hand, improves operational efficiency, productivity, provide version control, etc. This is another difference between Docker and Container. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the basic difference between Docker and Container is that Docker is a platform to build, run and manage software containers while a container is a lightweight software that provides operating system virtualization to run applications and its dependencies in resource isolated processes.

Reference:

1. “Docker Overview.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Available here.
2. “What Is a Container.” Docker, 3 Oct. 2018, Available here.
3. “What Are Containers? – Amazon Web Services (AWS).” Amazon, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “docker” By Bo-Yi Wu (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

About the Author: Lithmee

Lithmee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering and is reading for her Master’s degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about sharing her knowldge in the areas of programming, data science, and computer systems.

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