Docker is a group of software as a service solution that uses Open Source software as its base platform to provide software within a self-contained containers called containers. Containers are independent from each other and package their respective applications, libraries and configurations into a single space; they basically communicate via well-defined interfaces. The advantages of this approach include the following:
– Easy to use – With a container system, one can write code in any programming language. One can create these scripts from a template or from scratch. Furthermore, one can deploy these scripts and programs into a single environment, where all the required resources are present.
– No longer need to install multiple versions of programs into multiple containers – Because one creates a single environment from a single container, it eliminates the need for multiple versions of software. Furthermore, the single instance of such programs eliminates the need to maintain multiple copies. For instance, if you want to have two servers running Microsoft Office on Windows Server 2020, then you will have to create two different installations – one for each version of the software.
– No longer need to wait for your servers to start – If you are running a server, then it is inevitable that at some point of time it will shut down for no apparent reason. However, you can easily take your servers offline and keep them disconnected from the world. Therefore, you can make use of a container technology which provides you with a continuous source of computing resources without the need for having to wait for your servers to boot up.
– No longer need to configure multiple environments – Because containers are self-contained, there is no need to configure several instances of software. You can create a single application inside of the container and install it on any host which supports the software. The reason why the software has to be distributed within containers is so that the containers are independent of one another. Hence, you can install the same program on different servers without the need to manage any configuration.
The advantages of using an Open Source technology like this are many. The most important benefit of having an isolated environment is that you can build a single application or script on the same infrastructure, using the same tools, using the same language and with the same configuration that is installed on every host that you use. Another great advantage is that you will get consistent software on every system – because the software will run the same way on each time that the server is started up and on each server that is shut down. Finally, with a good container solution, you will never have to wait for the application to startup or stop for each server when you are on the road, as the application will be up and running.