Docker is quickly becoming the go-to tool for Ubuntu users and software developers. Installing and setting up Docker is easy as long as you’re familiar with the Ubuntu operating system. Let’s take a closer look at the tool, what it does, and how it can benefit you.
What is Docker?
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Docker is a popular tool for application packaging. With it, you can put all you need, such as libraries, software, and settings, into a container. To further explain, a container is a term for a box that has everything it needs to work.
Think of Docker as the box (or container) for Ubuntu applications. In the event you need to run several programs and tools, you can just have Docker take care of the environments and tools. This saves you the hassle of setting up each tool on its own and having to deal with conflicts when you run them all together.
When is Docker Useful?
Docker becomes integral when there are two or more web applications involved. More often than not, a web application will require you to use a specific language. This can cause issues if the other web app prefers a different version. That said, you can simply put each web app into its own ‘container’ and have it run without causing system problems.
Benefits of Docker for Ubuntu
Simplified. The most obvious benefit of using Docker is that you can manage web applications and similar platforms more easily. The tool lets you stop, start, and remove applications by handling the containers. Your system will remain clean all throughout.
More Efficient. In Ubuntu, containers generally use fewer resources than a virtual machine.
More Consistent. Docker will run the web app or program the same way regardless of the device, which means you can transfer them from a testing server to a live website seamlessly.