Container image is a terminology that is widely used in the sphere of container technology. But, what exactly is it? Here is a look.
Container image is a terminology that is widely used in the sphere of container-related cloud technology. But, what exactly is it? Here is a look.
What is a Container Image?
Container image is a static, unalterable file including an executable code that helps run an isolated process on an IT infrastructure. The image comprises system tools, libraries, and other platform settings that are needed for software programs to run on containerization platforms. Container images are compiled from file system layers built onto a parent or base images. These layers allow the reuse of different components so that users don't create everything from the ground up for each project.
Characteristics and Benefits
A container image format is created for quick download and instant launches. A container in operation generally consumes fewer resources than comparable VMs. Images are recognized through the first 12 characters of valid identifiers and can have their virtual size measured in distinct underlying layers. Furthermore, these Images can be left tagged or left untagged. They are only searchable through valid identifiers.
To allow interoperability, container images rely on open standards and operate across a multitude of infrastructures, including VMs, physical machines, and cloud-hosted instances. In container deployments, applications are abstracted and isolated from underlying infrastructures.
Types of Container Images
Users create container images from scratch with build commands of container platforms. Later, it can be updated over time to introduce more functionality, fix bugs, and modify the image through container image-makers.
Users describe the set of layers and they are assembled into the image, allowing increased automation. CI tools like Jenkins can also be used for automation.
Container images are stored in registries that are either private or public repositories. Image creators push the image to the registry, and users pull the image when they need to run them as containers.
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