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Docker vs OpenVZ: What are the differences?
Introduction
Docker and OpenVZ are both popular containerization technologies used for virtualization, but they have key differences that set them apart.
Architecture: Docker utilizes a containerization approach at the application level, whereas OpenVZ works at the operating system level with a container-based virtualization solution. Docker containers are isolated from the host system but share the same kernel, while OpenVZ containers have their kernel modules and are more tightly integrated with the host system.
Portability: Docker containers are more portable as they can run on any system that has Docker installed, regardless of the underlying operating system. On the other hand, OpenVZ containers are limited to running on systems that support the OpenVZ kernel.
Resource Management: Docker provides more flexibility in resource management through the use of cgroups and namespaces, allowing users to control CPU, memory, and other resources. OpenVZ offers efficient resource management through its streamlined kernel-level virtualization, providing better performance in some cases.
Overhead and Performance: Docker has less overhead compared to OpenVZ, making it more suitable for lightweight, single-application containers. OpenVZ, due to its OS-level virtualization, may have higher overhead but can offer better performance for applications requiring closer integration with the host system.
Networking: Docker provides network isolation for containers through a virtual bridge and network namespaces. OpenVZ, on the other hand, uses a single network stack for all containers, which can lead to potential security concerns but simplifies network configuration.
Security: Docker is often considered more secure due to its layered approach to containerization and image management. OpenVZ, while also providing isolation, may have security implications if the host OS is compromised, as all containers share the same kernel.
In Summary, Docker and OpenVZ differ in their architecture, portability, resource management, overhead, networking, and security approaches, each offering unique benefits and trade-offs in containerization.
lxd/lxc and Docker aren't congruent so this comparison needs a more detailed look; but in short I can say: the lxd-integrated administration of storage including zfs with its snapshot capabilities as well as the system container (multi-process) approach of lxc vs. the limited single-process container approach of Docker is the main reason I chose lxd over Docker.
Pros of Docker
- Rapid integration and build up823
- Isolation691
- Open source521
- Testability and reproducibility505
- Lightweight460
- Standardization218
- Scalable185
- Upgrading / downgrading / application versions106
- Security88
- Private paas environments85
- Portability34
- Limit resource usage26
- Game changer17
- I love the way docker has changed virtualization16
- Fast14
- Concurrency12
- Docker's Compose tools8
- Easy setup6
- Fast and Portable6
- Because its fun5
- Makes shipping to production very simple4
- Highly useful3
- It's dope3
- Very easy to setup integrate and build2
- HIgh Throughput2
- Package the environment with the application2
- Does a nice job hogging memory2
- Open source and highly configurable2
- Simplicity, isolation, resource effective2
- MacOS support FAKE2
- Its cool2
- Docker hub for the FTW2
- Super2
- Asdfd0
Pros of OpenVZ
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Cons of Docker
- New versions == broken features8
- Unreliable networking6
- Documentation not always in sync6
- Moves quickly4
- Not Secure3