Conan vs Docker for AWS: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Conan and Docker are both popular tools used in AWS environments, but they have key differences that developers and administrators should be aware of when choosing between them.

1. Packaging and Deployment: Conan is primarily used for managing C and C++ libraries, handling dependencies and versioning, whereas Docker is more focused on packaging and deploying applications or services in lightweight, portable containers.

2. Isolation: Docker containers provide isolation at the process level, ensuring that applications running inside a container are separated and do not interfere with each other. Conan, on the other hand, does not provide this level of isolation as it deals with libraries rather than applications.

3. Resource Utilization: Docker containers are known for their efficient resource utilization, allowing multiple containers to run on the same physical or virtual machine without conflicts. In contrast, Conan does not directly manage resource allocation for applications as it is focused on managing dependencies.

4. Cross-platform Compatibility: Docker containers can run on any operating system that supports Docker, allowing for seamless deployment across different environments. Conan's primary focus on managing C and C++ libraries may limit its cross-platform compatibility compared to Docker.

5. Networking: Docker provides robust networking capabilities for connecting containers and orchestrating communication between them. Conan, being more library-focused, does not offer the same level of networking features for application components.

6. Development Workflow: Docker is often integrated into continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, enabling developers to streamline the build, test, and deployment process of applications. While Conan can be integrated into similar workflows, its primary function is dependency management rather than full application deployment.

In Summary, Conan focuses on managing C and C++ libraries and dependencies, while Docker specializes in packaging and deploying applications in containers with process-level isolation and efficient resource utilization.