Virtual Machines vs Containers
When it comes to deploying apps in the cloud, two common solutions are virtual machines (VMs) and containers. Both of these options have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right option depends on various factors.
Virtual Machines (VMs)
VMs are like individual computers running on top of a physical machine. Each VM has its own operating system, resources and applications, making it easy to simulate different hardware and software environments. Since the resources are isolated, a VM failure won’t affect other instances on the same physical machine. This makes it a more secure approach, especially for highly regulated industries.
However, VMs can be slower and less efficient because they require more resources to run multiple operating systems. So, they tend to have more overhead, taking longer to start and requiring more storage.
Containers
Containers, on the other hand, are lightweight and flexible. They are similar to VMs, but instead of running an entire operating system for each container, they share the operating system of the host machine. This means that they require fewer resources to run, making them faster and more efficient. Moreover, a container can take only seconds to launch, making it a popular choice for modern, cloud-native architecture.
Containers are also highly scalable as they can be deployed in a cluster on multiple host machines. This provides the ability to scale up or down to meet the application’s demand, allowing the environment to be highly dynamic and responsive.
Comparison
| Feature | Virtual Machines | Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Launch times | Slower - seconds to minutes | Fast - milliseconds to seconds |
| Resource requirement | More resources required | Less resource required |
| Isolation | Complete isolation between VMs | Isolation only between containers |
| Security | More secure approach | Needs to be configured properly for security requirements |
| Portability | Less portable | Highly portable |
| Scalability | More difficult to scale | Highly scalable |
| Start-up time | Longer time for startup | Less time for startup |
Conclusion
Both virtual machines and containers have their strengths and weaknesses; there is no clear winner. A business's choice will be influenced by its technical and security requirements, the nature of its applications and the team’s experience, and the required performance necessities.
So, a business must weigh their options and consider their specific use case when choosing between virtual machines or containers.
Hopefully, this comparison helps you make a more informed decision.
References
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G. Kim, "Containers vs. virtual machines | Red Hat," Red Hat, 11-Dec-2020. [Online].
Available: https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/virtualization/containers-vs-vms. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2022]. -
B. Wong, "Containers vs. virtual machines: How to tell which is the best fit for your enterprise," CIO, 06-Apr-2021. [Online].
Available: https://www.cio.com/article/3215516/containers-vs-virtual-machines-how-to-tell-which-is-the-best-fit-for-your-enterprise.html. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2022].