Beginning with Docker - What is Docker?
Docker is a software development tool that makes use of the containers for development and deployment. Standard containers that allowed developers to package all the tools and software parts for easy development detached from the environment were further optimised by Docker. Dockers allow same containerization of the software parts and offers the same tools with the advanced capability of using the same Linux kernel for applications of different platforms. Thanks to Docker, the container based approach to software projects received further boost in terms of pace of development and ease of deployment.
Docker more or less works like a virtual machine that allows developers to detach a project from its designated OS environment. But it is not equal to a virtual machine just because Docker instead of building a complete virtual operating system, allows the software applications to make use of the same Linux kernel. As for deployment the software needs to be shipped with added things that are not running on the host system. This helps the developers to improve the software performance while keeping the application size at a minimum level.
Most important of all, Docker is an open source technology that accommodates contributions from anyone and remains open for improvement. If software developers are not satisfied with the inbuilt and standard Docker features, they can develop additional features and add to the repository.
Docker: a bit of history
Docker as the container technology appeared in the market in 2013, and since then Docker became the standard technology representing containers. Containers as software units are known for allowing developers to segregate their app projects from its intended OS environment and thereby providing a solution to the machine compatibility issues. Since Docker appeared as the most advanced alternative to standard Container technology, it became popular among developers for building and deploying containerised software apps across both desktops and cloud platforms.
The value proposition of Docker
Building software apps these days involve a lot more complexities than just core programming tasks. Picking the right technology stack involving several languages, frameworks, architecture and diversity of interfaces and iterative approaches to continuously develop and improve the app product, the complexities are enormous for that developers need to handle. This is where advanced containerisation technology plays a great role. Docker makes the workflow easier, streamlines the process and paces up the project. Most importantly, while Docker makes things simple and easier for the development process, it doesn't take away the freedom of choice for tools, technology stacks and deployment environments for the developers.
Docker as the containerisation tool not just benefited traditional development teams but also benefited system administrators and operations as well. This is why Docker is increasingly becoming a popular tool for DevOps projects. While Docker helps developers more flexibility and freedom of writing code without system worries, the same helps operations by reducing the number of systems and OS environments they need to maintain. In more than one way, this containerisation technology aim as a revolutionary tool for the software development projects of present and future.
Docker Tutorials and helpful articles
Check following tutorial and articles:
