Docker Containers: Advantages and Disadvantages
If you’ve already switched to Docker, you know there are plenty of benefits it can bring it life as a developer. If you’re thinking about making the switch, but are nervous about what this might mean for you, read on. We take a good look at the positives and any negatives we’ve found working with the Docker container for app development and deployment.
Table of Contents
- What is a Docker Container?
- Docker Container: The Benefits
- Docker Container: The Downsides
- Bottom Line: Docker Container, Yes or No
- IronWorker and the Docker Container Development Environment
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What is a Docker Container?
Docker is an open-source platform that is designed to be lightweight and simple. A Docker container is a standardized unit of software used to deploy applications. Containers package up all the code and dependencies for an app so it can be used on any server or operating system, eliminating the “Will this work on my machine?” dilemma. Containers also work in isolation from each other allowing a range of tasks to occur independently.
Docker Container: The Benefits
There are so many benefits to running a development environment that doesn’t care what device or operating system you’re using. Here are some of our favorites.
Consistency
Utilizing a platform that works the same way across multiple environments eliminates so much stress. Your entire team is working in the same way, regardless of the server, machine or operating system they are using. There’s no back-and-forth between staff working through platform issues; simply create images that will transform into containers when deployed – on any device.
Automation
There are so many tasks that, as a developer, can become repetitive and monotonous when done manually. Docker containers allow you to schedule a range of tasks to occur when they are needed, without manual intervention from a human being. This saves time, effort, and lightens the workload for developers.
Stability
Docker is based on Linux and, as such, has the Linux kernel in every container, regardless of the system it is running on. In the past, this may have caused some minor stability issues when running the containers on Mac or Windows systems. These days, even though Docker updates frequently (see below), the environment remains stable on any system or device. There’s no need to suddenly roll-back to an earlier update or panic because of unforeseen compatibility issues.
Saves Space
The precursor to containers was the Virtual Machine (VM). VMs work in a similar way to containers, but take physical servers and spit them into virtual environments, using vast amounts of physical server space and tons of memory. Docker containers only use the code for the app and its dependencies and can run entirely on the Cloud, meaning they are much smaller and negate the requirement for large, physical servers.
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Docker Container: The Downsides
It sounds like we love docker containers – and we do. However, no platform is without its flaws. While they might be few and far between, here are some downsides to Docker that you may want to know about.
Advances Quickly
This sounds like a good thing, right? Well, for the most part, it is. Docker is improving all the time, making app development and deployment slicker and more efficient. Why this is sometimes a problem is because the associated documentation doesn’t always update quite as quickly as the technology itself. This can leave developers hunting for information on certain specifics, particularly within the abstract layers when using Mac or Windows.
Learning Curve
Some developers find that switching to Docker containers can have quite a steep learning curve. Even those that are thoroughly familiar with VM infrastructure can find some of the Docker concepts challenging to get to grips with. That’s why working with a user-friendly container-based tool can be the key to making the most out of the Docker environment.
Bottom Line: Docker Container, Yes or No
It’s a “Yes” from us. Apart from the upsides we’ve highlighted above, there’s a thriving community working with Docker and plenty of resources for all kinds of developers. It’s the ultimate in cross-platform development and keeps going from strength to strength.
IronWorker & Docker
For container management software that’s designed for the modern Cloud, IronWorker is the tool to be looking at. IronWorker is specifically designed to work with Docker containers and allows incredible flexibility and customization. We can help you manage the size of your containers, manage tasks like sending email from within an application or processing webhook events, plus schedule tasks to your own requirements.
IronWorker is user friendly yet provides a powerful Docker container experience that allows you to maximize your development and achieve higher efficiency within your tasks.
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