With each passing day, the need for a robust software development platform is on the increase while developers are facing uncertainty in creating portable software that simplifies testing and deployment. The industry is going in different directions, and it is becoming difficult to choose between cloud infrastructure and containerization.
VirtualBox and Docker platforms are standing at the frontline, supporting cost-effective resource management methodologies while having the tussle to be the best than the competitor.
The upside of using VMs is visible in the test environment, but it is also crucial to check its alternatives, and in this case, it is Docker. Both leading platforms aim towards one main goal: to create an isolated software execution environment but share the underlying operating system to keep resource-usage and overhead at a minimum.
Both Docker and VirtualBox have many advantages over traditional technologies. Building up more scalable environments relatively takes less time. These 2 platforms are easy-to-use and highly portable.
In this article, we will deep dive into every aspect of Docker and VirtualBox, including features, use-cases, and comparisons, to see who comes out on the top.
What is Docker?
Docker is an OS-level platform that has its own configurations, tools, and libraries to help users communicate better with the application. It performs all such operations using an element called the Docker container.
It allows developers to access all the required components of an application before it is ready to launch. With OS-level virtualization, Docker’s functionality is not restricted to a single Linux – or Windows – machine.
The open-source platform is extremely beneficial for operations and development professionals. The size of the application is relatively less, which, naturally, helps boost the performance.
History of Docker
The technology associated with Docker has changed a lot over the last 2 decades. In 2001, virtualization was implemented using Linux VServer, and it was used to address file systems, network addresses, and memory present in a particular computer system. After a couple of years, developers started using Solaris Containers, which led to adding more features like snapshots and cloning to the mainstream containerization at the time.
The technology was changing so rapidly at that time, but the most impactful one came from Docker. The platform started gaining traction in its first couple of months and within a single year, the software reached a 100 million downloads milestone. Docker had a very similar process cycle like Warden, which incorporated a client-server model to handle multiple hosts at the same time.
Many platforms came after the release of Docker, but they couldn’t deliver the same value and real-life applications. Docker created an entirely new ecosystem for cloud and container management.
Over the last five years, the tools linked to containers matured with more use-cases and made cloud adoption a more sensible option. It is feasible to manage enterprise-level microservices with powerful containerization platforms like Docker and Kubernetes and control cloud-native deployments in isolated production environments.
Features of Docker
1. Workflow Efficiency
Docker provides many technical configurations that empower developers to make rapid application deployments. Resources are no longer needed in high volume, making execution easy in an isolated environment.
2. Swarm
Docker provides many tools to manage multiple host machines at the front end. The leading option is Docker Swarm, a container orchestration tool. These groups join together to form clusters, and they help maintain high efficiency for worker node resources.
3. System Scalability
The hardware requirement for Docker-backed systems is significantly less, and as a result, teams get more done when it comes to application deployments. If the workload maximizes, they have an option to share data centers with several operators. Docker enables systems to scale and that too at affordable costs.
4. Robust Configurations
Docker provides this feature to make system configuration both fast and straightforward. Execution of code takes relatively less time with fewer efforts. As the platform allows system isolation, the Docker infrastructure is in no way dependent hard and fast on the environment.
5. Better Software Delivery/Networking
Docker containers are supposed to make software delivery more efficient. As they are portable and come with isolated disk volumes, it is easier to develop applications in and for various environments.
Advantages of Docker
1. Modular Infrastructure
This is one of the most critical advantages that Docker brings to the table for developers when using the platform for testing purposes. If any module – by chance – upgrades to a newer version, the developer can prevent problems by simply rolling back the upgrade on that single component.
2. Deployment Times and Compatibility
These 2 factors are highly emphasized when businesses implement cloud-management services using containerization. Deployment times for Docker applications do not vary by any measure because all servers run at the same speed and quality.
Even if there are different systems and settings, users will still access all tools and get a similar experience.
3. Return on Investment
By using Docker, developers get greater returns for their investments regardless of their configuration settings.
Docker follows a standardized approach to ensure seamless productivity for all team members, and it also facilitates in getting long-term savings in development. This is done by reducing the amount spent on resources, infrastructure, and other tools.
4. Unified Platform
Docker is a unified platform allowing developers to manage multiple production cycles for applications from a single place. A single platform is a better option to identify bugs and make corrections simultaneously. By saving time on optimization, teams create more space for future growth and get more time for developing other projects.
Real-Life Applications of Docker
-
Environment Consistency
When creating an environment for application development, it is easy to dodge errors and minimize inconsistency. The configuration file is built well by using the documented instructions provided by Docker. This helps enterprises in repeating the same environment multiple times.
-
Accelerating Project Setup
One of the most significant plus points for new developers using Docker is to skip the time-consuming operations like environment settings and configurations. By following a standardized approach, the platform helps save much time for developers to initiate the setup and prepare the environment for further procedures.
-
Disaster Recovery
There is no perfect strategy to safeguard your work and progress with software development, so you always have to be prepared with a backup plan. Docker has several recovery options for mitigating both software and hardware failures.
For example, if you face a hardware collapse, Docker will easily replicate the file to a new virtual machine. If one doesn’t use Docker, they would have to work with 2 workflows; a PHP site, and a Go binary.
-
DevOps
With the new DevOps initiative, there will no longer be any barriers between the developers and the IT department. This trend has fast-tracked with the help of Docker, as it complements DevOps teams and helps them better identify the roadblocks.
-
Modernize Scalable services from Docker
This is in huge demand right now because there is a lot of pressure from the government to deploy modern architecture applications. With Docker, you will be able to create and execute the application quickly and with less investment.
For example, the government uses Docker to build their IT services because the added portability and compatibility across different virtual machines act as a huge plus point.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is also an open-source virtualization software that runs on an operating system called the guest OS. It supports 3 major systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS.
VBox is currently under Oracle, and they let you use the software to emulate complex and real hardware. VirtualBox helps in simplifying testing processes and avoids malware containing applications by creating isolated environments.
History of VirtualBox
VirtualBox evolved as an open-source virtualization tool to work with several other virtual machines. This was primarily developed by Oracle Corporation to support the creation of virtual machines running on different operating systems.
In the beginning, VirtualBox was offered for free to conduct evaluations, but Innotek then acquired it. They made some improvements to the virtualization software and enabled various host-guest OS interactions.
In 2008, Sun Microsystems made an offer to Innotek, and they agreed to a deal. Within 2 years, Oracle took over the company and started launching hardware-assisted virtualization for large enterprises.
In the current production environment, there are many options in both Linux and cloud-based systems. Each operating system is associated with a particular virtualization product.
For example, Mac users might go with Parallels, and Microsoft lovers would prefer Hyper-V. Personal preferences override every other factor, but it is crucial to understand VirtualBox’s mechanism and the applications it offers to make an impact in real-life situations.
Features of VirtualBox
1. Snapshots
VirtualBox has this feature to make necessary changes. It is done by merely taking a VM state snapshot. It is convenient for developers to operate because they can take as many snapshots as possible and still revert to the original VM state, if needs be.
2. Second Screen
Having a multi-monitor system is always beneficial for a developer, making testing a lot easier. With more physical screens, you can display 3 or more virtual machines for testing.
3. USB Devices
VirtualBox is not compatible with USB 3.0, but users can connect any USB 2.0 device with it. The access is also straightforward, just click the Devices tab and select your desired drive. It is also important to enable USB support in the settings window first.
4. Shared Folders & Clipboards
VirtualBox adds in a shared folder feature to automatically mount the files and transfer them in and out of the VM. To do this, VirtualBox takes a folder present on the host operating system and converts it into an accessible file inside the virtual machine.
For sharing clipboards, VBox allows users to drag and drop between guest and host operating systems. It is not set by default, so it wouldn’t work without setting it that way.
5. Cloning
This feature is mainly used to secure all the files present in a virtual machine. Copy-paste method doesn’t work well with VirtualBox because both copies will have the same identified number.
That’s why cloning a virtual machine is paramount for developers, and it ensures users that the extra copy will not conflict with the original virtual machine.
6. Port Forwarding
In typical cases, virtual machines stay isolated from the primary data centers and networks, but if you want to run server software inside the device, it is crucial to initiate port forwarding. This feature is present in the advanced options of the Network settings in VBox.
Advantages of VirtualBox
- Perfectly capable of test running applications that may contain malware, and it also creates a virtual machine to isolate the same from the leading network.
- Has a considerable advantage over other virtual machines in terms of server provisioning. It can clone a system, setup, and deploy a template in under 5 minutes.
- VirtualBox is better in every aspect when compared to traditional environments. With virtualization, you can reduce your total investigations and capital spent on physical machines.
- It can operate multiple operating systems simultaneously. For coping with a disaster, VirtualBox has recovery features to retrieve all the data and send it to another virtual machine.
- Guest additions provided by VirtualBox helps a great deal in the implementation process and OS optimization. Some of the additions include a remote display, automated logins, and transportation of VM appliances. The myriad settings have a great set of features that can help developers in many different ways, so they should check them out and see which one adds more value to their application.
Real-Life Applications of VirtualBox
-
Reduce Hardware
By incorporating VirtualBox, large organizations have a chance to reduce their physical machines and adopt a virtual server solution. This is an excellent value for money and a profitable long-term solution.
-
Testing Software
Developers save a lot of time and effort in testing multiple software by using VirtualBox. This reduces main system interference and physical memory involvement.
-
DevOps
Building an application in a consistent, known platform is ideal for many developers. VBox provides a comprehensive command toolset and supports Python programming language, making it easy for you to automate some time-consuming tasks.
-
3D Graphics Support
VM VirtualBox can enhance desktop components from a graphics standpoint. Even with basic 3D support, these drivers can increase the software’s versatility and be a game-changer for many developers.
Similarities between Docker and VirtualBox
In the world of cloud computing, 2 methodologies are always trending: containers and virtual machines. The best platforms for these strategies are Docker and VirtualBox, respectively. Both share common ground in a very few areas, and the most important among the same is virtualized environments.
The features offered by each platform are unique, and when put together, they try to complement each other and avoid competition. The main benefit of both Docker and VirtualBox is that they provide a safe DevOps environment.
VirtualBox runs multiple applications, whereas Docker executes only one at a time, but they never fail to communicate with the underlying operating system. Both platforms provide great resources to build and deploy applications, but the best part about these tools that come with microservices is reducing the turnaround time.
Both of them follow isolated environments to solve problems and make applications error-free. Virtualization occurs on a unified platform in both cases, so it is easy for developers to localize an issue and access system resources.
Docker vs Virtual Machines – A Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Performance
Docker and VirtualBox are pretty fast compared to other cloud software development platforms, but the answer is going to be Docker when it comes to comparing only the two.
While some may say otherwise, it is important to note that Docker offers more advantages in terms of resource consumption, and it is more lightweight than VM VirtualBox.
On the other hand, Docker containers set certain limits to how many resources it can allow without the host enabling more resources. In some cases, it can be argued that VBox performs better but still is not as efficient as Docker.
Speaking about deployment, Docker has an edge over VirtualBox because it doesn’t have to duplicate processes that are already executing on the host system. In this respect, it is clear that Docker is a better option for the efficient distribution of fewer resources.
2. Hypervisor
VirtualBox is more secure than Docker in terms of application segregation and isolated environments, but it does come with some vulnerabilities. The most important one to emphasize is a single point of failure.
For VirtualBox, there are many applications attached, and if the hypervisor fails at some point, then all of them will go down. Even though it is extremely difficult to breach a virtual machine, it is still risking the entire network crash.
In the case of Docker, there is no single point of failure, and it doesn’t use a hypervisor, with one exception coming for the macOS.
3. Architecture
The guest architecture connected to each virtual machine is different, and they are in no way related to the host operating system.
In the case of Docker, the containers receive access points to every physical server, and they send it across other containers by sharing the OS. This is more efficient than a VirtualBox VM for the only reason being faster boot times.
The number of OS kernels needed for Docker is only one, but VBox needs multiple or even different kernels in some cases to run applications across platforms and servers.
4. Security
When it comes to secure environments, Docker is not even on the same level as VirtualBox. VBox has a huge advantage over Docker in terms of security because the virtualization takes place without sharing the same operating system.
The software associated with virtual machines like VirtualBox never gives direct control over the resources. The Hypervisor is one of the main reasons why VirtualBox creates such a safe environment. It always controls the usage and gives only required resources.
In the case of Docker, resources are shared to different landscapes without any namespace. It may help prevent a collision, but it puts the platform in a vulnerable position.
5. Deployment and Interface
The deployment is much easier on Docker because it has only a single containerized image present across all software platforms. For VirtualBox, it takes much longer because the deployment is done with separate instances, so handling 2 VMs simultaneously makes it a complex procedure.
The interface provided by Docker involves a learning curve because there are many complicated tools involved. In the case of VirtualBox, everything will be outlined to perfection to help users understand all the tools. It is as simple as it gets with a user-friendly interface and navigation tools.
6. Scalability
Scaling is easy with Docker and, for good reasons. Docker has an edge over VirtualBox in this aspect because the architecture and technology involved in the containerization platform open new doors to scale and duplicate operating systems.
This is not feasible for VirtualBox users because retrieving the same environment from every system needs a separate installation procedure.
Which One Should You Choose?
Picking one software over another is never the right solution because each thrives to accomplish different real-life applications. The alternative method would be to align your requirements with the software and its features. The 2 main factors that determine the best-suited software for your requirement are Application Type and Size.
When it comes to Docker, it is developed to isolate applications from the host operating system, so if you are looking for an application that runs irrespective of the host system and its infrastructure, Docker is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you want to engage in more system integrations with the original host device, then a VirtualBox VM can help you attain your goals.
We should also consider size when choosing between Docker and VirtualBox. As mentioned earlier, Docker is lightweight software, and it is highly portable, so if you want to run single applications on the development platform, Docker will be the optimal choice. Docker helps fulfill microservices, so it cannot manage large enterprises.
It is better for developers working on high priority services to go with VirtualBox, as it has advantages in 3 main areas:
- Infrastructure,
- Security, and
- Databases.
Docker helps people who are dealing with less-complex projects and it can increase productivity by a great extent. It is because of the nature of Docker containers; small, performance-intensive, and compatible across all platforms.
Docker is trending in the current marketplace, and many digital operational companies are preferring containers over VMs. It is, however, crucial to point out that both platforms have complementary tools to manage workload and resources.
It is not about which is better or which is revolutionary, as every enterprise has different requirements. One platform may offer a better deal in certain circumstances than the other and vice-versa.
Conclusion
Docker and VirtualBox are the 2 most important software that is going to play a key role in revolutionizing application development and deployment.
As of now, the primary choice would be VirtualBox for many organizations, but when it comes to lengthy procedures at the time of deployment, they can migrate to microservices offered by Docker. Thus, leveraging both the tools in tandem.
After considering the ups and downs of both the platforms, it is safe to say that they are not a-single-solution-for-every-problem type of software. We will likely witness more revisions made to each of the technology, but Docker is probably going to showcase the next major advancement in any production environment.