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Docker vs Qemu: What are the differences?
Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers, providing lightweight and portable environments, while Qemu is an open-source emulator that allows users to run operating systems and virtual machines on various host platforms. Let's explore the key differences between them.
Architecture: Docker uses a containerization approach, where multiple containers can run on a single host operating system. Qemu, on the other hand, is a full-system emulator that provides hardware virtualization, allowing different operating systems to run simultaneously.
Performance: Docker containers are lightweight and share the host OS kernel, resulting in faster startup times and lower resource usage compared to Qemu virtual machines, which require full OS emulation.
Isolation: Docker provides process-level isolation, meaning that containers share resources but are isolated at the process level. Qemu, on the other hand, provides full isolation between virtual machines, allowing each VM to have its own resources and kernel.
Compatibility: Docker relies on the host OS kernel, making it more compatible with a wider range of operating systems and applications. Qemu, on the other hand, can emulate different hardware architectures, making it more suitable for running operating systems that are not supported natively on the host system.
Deployment: Docker containers are highly portable and can be easily deployed across different environments, whether it's on-premises or in the cloud. Qemu virtual machines are more suitable for running guest operating systems on a specific host, making them less portable.
Resource Usage: Docker containers share the host's operating system and resources, resulting in more efficient resource utilization compared to Qemu virtual machines, which require dedicated resources for each VM.
In summary, Docker simplifies the process of containerization, enabling developers to package applications and their dependencies into isolated environments for deployment across different systems with ease. On the other hand, Qemu offers a versatile emulation solution for running virtual machines, providing flexibility for testing and development purposes across a range of hardware architectures and operating systems.
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
- Isolation692
- 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
- Package the environment with the application2
- Super2
- Open source and highly configurable2
- Simplicity, isolation, resource effective2
- MacOS support FAKE2
- Its cool2
- Does a nice job hogging memory2
- Docker hub for the FTW2
- HIgh Throughput2
- Very easy to setup integrate and build2
- Asdfd0
Pros of Qemu
- Performance1
- Easy to use1
- Free1
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Cons of Docker
- New versions == broken features8
- Unreliable networking6
- Documentation not always in sync6
- Moves quickly4
- Not Secure3