Podman

1. Overview

Podman: Open-source container management tool
- Daemonless: No central daemon, unlike Docker
- OCI Compliant: Adheres to Open Container Initiative standards
- Compatibility: Docker CLI compatible
Key Features:
- Rootless Containers: Improved security by running containers without root privileges
- Pod Support: Manages groups of containers as a single entity (aligned with Kubernetes concept of pod)
- Integration: Works with other tools like Buildah (for building images) and Skopeo (for transferring container images)
Comparison with Docker:
- Security: Rootless mode and no central daemon enhance security
- Performance: No daemon, fewer system resources consumed
- Functionality: Similar features, but Podman lacks some niche Docker plugins/extensions
Use Cases:
- Development: Ideal for local development environments requiring container isolation
- CI/CD Pipelines: Integrates with Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.
- Kubernetes: Runs pods, easing transitions to Kubernetes environments
Common Commands:
- podman run: Run a new container
- podman ps: List running containers
- podman build: Build a new container image
- podman pod create: Create a new pod
Future Directions:
- Improved Integration: Enhanced compatibility with Kubernetes and CRI-O
- Feature Parity: Work toward achieving near-complete consistency with Docker’s functionalities