Glossary
Container
Definition
A container is a lightweight package holding an application and everything it needs to run, isolated from other containers while sharing the host’s operating system kernel.
Why it matters when you’re buying
Containers make software run the same way on a laptop, in a data centre or in any cloud, and they start far faster than virtual machines. They also bring new security tasks, such as scanning images and controlling what is allowed to run.
How it relates to other terms
Kubernetes runs containers at scale. A hypervisor virtualises whole machines instead, and an SBOM lists what is inside a container image.
Where to go next
- Containers & Kubernetes: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Containers & Kubernetes vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- Kubernetes: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.