Can Docker containers run on any operating system?

When it comes to answering the question, it’s not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. To get to the bottom of the topic, we need to dive into the fascinating history of container technologies, with a special focus on the Docker container engine. We’ll explore how Docker was originally designed for the Linux operating system and discover the ways we can make Docker containers work seamlessly across Windows and Mac operating systems. Let’s get started with this blog post.

History of Docker: Why Linux operating system is the home of Docker and container technologies?

Originally, the Docker container engine was built using the core Linux container library (LXC) to create and run containers. However, Docker later opted to replace LXC with its own library, known as libcontainer. By implementing libcontainer, Docker decreased its reliance on the complex containerization features of the Linux kernel. Nevertheless, the Linux kernel remains the powerhouse behind major container technologies and runtimes like Docker, Containerd, CRI-O, Mirantis, and Rocket.

The key point is that the Docker container engine can run containers natively on any Linux-based operating system without requiring additional components like a hypervisor or a virtual machine (VM). This is possible because Docker efficiently utilizes the containerization features of the Linux kernel available in the Linux host to build and run containers. This capability applies to major Linux distributions such as Ubuntu Linux, CentOS Linux, and Red Hat Linux, as well as other similar variants.

1. How to install Docker on Linux?

In conclusion, the Docker container engine and Docker containers cannot run directly (natively) on Windows or Mac operating systems. This limitation arises because the Mac operating system is powered by the Unix kernel, while the Windows operating system operates using the Windows kernel. Many people don’t know this fact, and so they believe the Docker container engine can run on Windows and Mac operating systems natively.

So, what the Docker’s solution for Windows and Mac operating system users

From the beginning, running the Docker container engine natively on Windows or Mac operating systems was not possible. To address this, Docker provides a lightweight Linux VM where the Docker container engine and containers can be deployed. However, this was an older solution for users on Windows and Mac, and it has its challenges and limitations.

Over the years Docker established itself as a leader in container technology worldwide and has proved it again by offering a seamless solution for Windows and Mac operating system users in the name of Docker Desktop. Docker Desktop is a desktop client or application that allows seamless integration of the Docker container engine with Windows and Mac operating systems via native hypervisors and VMs.

How Docker Desktop powers Docker containers in Windows and Mac operating systems?

In the Windows operating system, Docker Desktop integrates with native hypervisor technologies like Hyper-V or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to manage the Docker container engine in a lightweight Linux environment. Similarly, for Mac operating system users, Docker Desktop comes with its built-in hypervisor called HyperKit to manage the Docker container engine inside a micro Linux VM. However, at the end of the day separating the Linux kernel and the Docker container engine is not possible.

We hope you found this blog post about Docker and container technologies informative. Please feel free to talk to us if you are seeking training and solutions related to similar technologies, whether as an individual or as an organization.