Cloud containers hold individual applications and their corresponding software, commands, and configurations. This allows applications to be transferred to different cloud or OS environments without having integration or run issues because of the change in environment. Containers help applications to run more efficiently and be transported more quickly. Unlike virtual machines, which are similar in concept, containers do not have their own guest operating system; instead, they run dependent on an existing operating system.
Two popular tools related to containers are Docker and Kubernetes. Docker helps developers create applications and integrates with third-party container services. Kubernetes manages containers in one overarching system, distributing container usage and troubleshooting if a container stops working.
Cloud computing and containers
Cloud servers contain multiple virtual machines (virtual computer systems that run on the cloud server) for multiple workloads or companies, which are using the cloud space. Containers transfer applications seamlessly between the cloud and private computer systems or between a public and private cloud environment.
Pros and cons of cloud containers
Containers hold individual applications or groups of related applications, allowing them to be transported, configured, and run on their own rather than using the entire computer system. This means they are faster and more efficient than virtual machines, which have their own guest operating system. However, they also aren’t as secure as VMs because they don’t have their own OS. Even if containers are being transferred between cloud environments, they may not be secure.
Some applications also work more efficiently if they collaborate rather than being individually separated into containers. Depending on how applications work together, they may not need containers, even in the cloud.
