When you are using Docker, every container runs its own copy of the operating system. This means that if your app needs to store some data, it needs to do so in a location accessible to only that container. As such, each container has its own virtual filesystem. This article covers different types of storage options and their pros and cons when it comes to using them with Docker. Read on to learn more.
What Is Docker Storage? #
Storage is the place where your data is kept. You can use different types of storage to store your data, depending on your needs and budget. Docker storage refers to the location where containers store their filesystems and images. When you run a Docker container, it is the Docker storage that stores these things. You can change the Docker storage by modifying the Docker host settings. This article covers different types of storage options and their pros and cons when it comes to using them with Docker. Read on to learn more.
Virtual Storage #
Virtual storage is a type of storage with no real backing. It is basically a file that acts as if it is a mounted volume. If you are running your containers in a managed environment, the host is often setting up the Virtual Storage in a way that makes the container unaware of the presence of the file. Virtual Storage is the default storage container. If your containers are running in a managed environment, they are using Virtual Storage by default. This type of storage is suitable for testing, where you don’t want to invest in hardware. You can use Virtual Storage to set up a test environment and then remove it when you are done. Virtual Storage is not suitable for production environments. It is slow, lacks reliability, and is prone to corrupt data. Virtual Storage is also not suitable if you want to be able to move containers between hosts. Different containers cannot see each other’s containers.
Docker roots #
Docker roots are used to store images and containers on hosts with privileged access. Roots are usually set up on hosts that are not running containers and can’t use Virtual storage. Rootfs is a type of storage that is shared by all containers that are on the same host. Hosts with rootfs storage usually have access to a network filesystem. Rootfs is ideal for clusters where you need to share data across hosts. Rootfs is best used with trusted partners or in environments where there is a single host that can be used. Rootfs is not suitable for use in public clouds due to security concerns.
Mounted Folders #
A mounted folder is a type of storage that allows you to use an existing folder on the host as a container’s storage. Mounted folders are usually set up manually. The hosted providers usually don’t support this type of storage. If the host is running on Linux, you can use the host-mounted folder. Windows has the SMB protocol that you can use. Mounted folders are suitable for most uses, but they are not great when you need a large amount of storage space. It is also not suitable if you need to be able to move containers between hosts. Mounted folders are not shared between containers. Each container has its own view into the mounted folder. Containers can read and write data in the mounted folder independently.
Conclusion #
Docker is a great technology for containerising applications. You can use it to deploy applications faster and more efficiently. The Docker storage is the place where containers store their filesystems and images. You can use different types of storage to store your data, depending on your needs and budget. Docker roots are used to store images and containers on hosts with privileged access. Rootfs is a type of storage that is shared by all containers that are on the same host. Mounted folders are suitable for most uses, but they are not great when you need a large amount of storage space. It is also not suitable if you need to be able to move containers between hosts. When you are using Docker, make sure you choose the right type of storage for your needs.
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