Docker

Docker is a popular software platform that is being used for the development of applications. Here, the software applications are developed based on containers. A container refers to a lightweight and small execution environment. It has a shared operating system kernel. However, it can run in isolation mode.

Containers are now a new concept to software development. This concept has been there for quite some time. Docker is relatively new. In fact, the Docker open source project was launched back in the year 2013. It contributed heavily towards making the technology popular. On the other hand, it was able to power up the trend to enhance the trend towards microservices and containerization in software development.

What exactly is a Docker? 

A Docker is an open-source project. It has the ability to make life easy for developers to create containers as well as applications based on containers. Docker was initially launched for Linux. However, it is currently running on macOS and Windows. To better understand the functionality of Docker, let’s take a look at some of the components that you will need to use while creating the Docker containerized applications.

• Docker File 

Every single Docker is starting with a Docker File. This is a text file, which contains an easy-to-understand syntax. The Docker File will specify the underlying operating system in the container. It can provide instructions related to the steps associated with developing a Docker image. Moreover, it can provide the environmental variables, languages, network ports, file locations, and other related information.

• Docker Image 

When you have the Docker file, you will need to use the Docker build utility to develop an image based on it. The Docker file will contain a set of instructions, which must be followed when building the image. The end output will be a Docker image, which is a portable file, which contains the specifications that are used for the development of software components. That’s because it includes all the instructions associated with grabbing the software packages from various repositories available online. You will need to make sure that you are taking the correct packages in the appropriate versions. Otherwise, the Docker file you have will create inconsistent images. 

• Docker run 

Docker run will be the utility command, which has the ability to launch the container. Every single container will be an instance of the image. Here, the containers are designed to remain temporary and transient. However, there is a possibility for you to stop and restart them according to your preferences. When you are launching the container, you can keep it in the same status as it stopped.

Different instances of the container having the same image can be run simultaneously as well. Code review has the ability to break down the different options that can be found in the run command. This can provide an excellent feeling to you on how it would work.

• Docker hub

The process of building containers is indeed relatively simple. However, it would help if you did not get the wrong idea that you need to develop every single image from scratch. That’s where the Docker Hub will be able to assist you. This is a Software as a Service repository available for you to share and manage the containers easily. Here, you will locate the official Docker images from the software vendors and open-source projects. Then you can remove the unofficial images from the general public as well. You are provided with the chance to download the container images that offer useful code. Or else, you will be able to upload them on your own and share them openly. If you want to make it private, you have the chance to do it as well.

• Docker Engine 

Docker Engine can be considered as the core of Docker. That’s because it contains the underlying client-server technology. It has the ability to create the code and run it inside the containers. You will be able to discover two different versions in Docker Engine. They include Docker Engine Community and Docker Engine Enterprise. 

Benefits of Docker

There are numerous benefits delivered by Docker. Here is a list of some of the most prominent benefits that you will receive out of them.

• Docker container provides throttling and isolation. 

Docker containers are in a position to keep the apps well isolated from each other. In addition to that, the containers can keep the apps isolated from the underlying system as well. This can provide you with the chance to end up getting a clean software stack. On the other hand, it can deliver all the assistance needed for you to proceed with containerized use of the application system resources.

• Docker containers ensure portability. 

Docker offers portability. That’s because the Docker containers are in a position to run any machine that can provide support for the runtime environment of the containers. The applications should not be tied to the host operating system. Hence, both application environments can be kept minimal and clean at all times. 

• Docker containers provide composability. 

Dockers are in a position to enable composability. This is one of the most prominent benefits that business applications will be able to receive. The organized components can be arranged into a stack to ensure convenience. The stack will include a memory cache, database, and web server. You will be able to use a Docker and break down an application into three different functional units. Every single piece can offer a container, and you will manage and update it with ease. You can also swap it out with minimum hassle.

Keep these facts in your mind and get the help of Docker to streamline software development.