Overview

CoreOS

Stacks217

Followers297

Votes44

Arch Linux

Stacks562

Followers555

Votes108

Arch Linux vs CoreOS: What are the differences?

Introduction

Arch Linux and CoreOS are both Linux-based operating systems, but they have distinct differences in terms of their architecture and purpose.

Package Management: Arch Linux uses the Pacman package manager, which focuses on simplicity, speed, and extensibility. It follows a rolling release model, where updates are regularly provided. On the other hand, CoreOS utilizes the Container Linux package manager, which is derived from Gentoo. It emphasizes stability and security through automatic updates and an atomic update system.
System Architecture: Arch Linux is a full-fledged general-purpose operating system suitable for both desktop and server use. It provides a customizable and DIY (do-it-yourself) approach, allowing users to build their system tailored to their specific needs. In contrast, CoreOS is designed primarily for containerized applications and follows a minimalist philosophy. It focuses on simplicity, security, and stability, making it ideal for running distributed applications and large-scale deployments.
Containerization Technology: Arch Linux utilizes containerization technology like Docker and systemd-nspawn to run applications in isolated environments. However, CoreOS takes containerization a step further by integrating core components like rkt (pronounced "rocket") and Kubernetes. CoreOS's design revolves around containers, making it highly optimized for running distributed systems and orchestrating containerized workloads.
Security and Updates: Arch Linux prioritizes providing the latest software through its rolling release model. This constant stream of updates ensures that users have access to the latest features and security patches. However, this approach requires users to actively manage their system updates. CoreOS, on the other hand, focuses on security by providing automatic updates that are carefully tested for compatibility before being deployed. This ensures that distributed systems running CoreOS receive regular security patches while minimizing any potential disruptions caused by updates.
Init Systems: Arch Linux uses the traditional SysV init system by default, which prioritizes simplicity and flexibility. However, users can also choose other init systems like systemd if desired. In contrast, CoreOS completely embraces and relies on systemd as its init system. With its powerful features and compatibility with containerization technologies, systemd enhances CoreOS' ability to manage services, dependencies, and resource allocation.
Support Community: Arch Linux has a strong and vibrant community of users and developers who actively contribute to its documentation, forums, and software repositories. This active community ensures access to a vast amount of resources and support. CoreOS also has an engaged community but caters more specifically to a niche audience focused on containerization, distributed systems, and Kubernetes.

In summary, Arch Linux provides a customizable general-purpose Linux distribution with a rolling release model, while CoreOS is optimized for containerization and distributed systems, offering automatic updates, a minimalist architecture, and a strong focus on security and stability.

🔥 Trending in Infrastructure as a Service on StackShare

Google Drive Infrastructure As A Service

A safe place for all your files

Try it View Docs Alternatives

Try

10

70.4k

Advice on CoreOS, Arch Linux

Simon

Developer Advocate at k6 / Load Impact

Mar 7, 2020

Decided

At the moment of the decision, my desktop was the primary place I did work. Due to this, I can't have it blow up on me while I work. While Arch is interesting and powerful, Ubuntu offers (at least for me) a lot more stability and lets me focus on other things than maintaining my own OS installation.

299k views299k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

CoreOS	Arch Linux
It is designed for security, consistency, and reliability. Instead of installing packages via yum or apt, it uses Linux containers to manage your services at a higher level of abstraction. A single service's code and all dependencies are packaged within a container that can be run on one or many machines.	A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.
Great to develop; Test; Operate	-
Statistics
Stacks 217	Stacks 562
Followers 297	Followers 555
Votes 44	Votes 108
Pros & Cons
Pros 20 Container management 15 Lightweight 9 Systemd Cons 3 End-of-lifed	Pros 17 Large Community 15 Package Manager 13 Customizable 12 Rolling Release 11 Arch User Repository Cons 4 Systemd only 3 Only X86_64 architecture is offically supported 1 Comparatively fewer offically supported packages 1 Unstable 1 System maintenance

What are some alternatives to CoreOS, Arch Linux?

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Debian

Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that provides users with access to the latest free and open source software, in a stable, secure and easy to manage form. Fedora is the largest of many free software creations of the Fedora Project. Because of its predominance, the word "Fedora" is often used interchangeably to mean both the Fedora Project and the Fedora operating system.

Linux Mint

The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.

CentOS

The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.

Linux

A clone of the operating system Unix, written from scratch by Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UNIX Specification compliance.

Gentoo Linux

It is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.

Alpine Linux

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

Manjaro

It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.

FreeBSD

An operating system for a variety of platforms which focuses on features, speed, and stability. It is derived from BSD, the version of UNIX® developed at the University of California, Berkeley. It is developed and maintained by a large community.