Linux Containers (LXC) is a lightweight and efficient technology that enables the creation and management of system or application containers on Linux operating systems. LXC provides a way to run multiple isolated Linux systems (containers) on a single host, utilizing the host's kernel and sharing it with other containers. Containers offer a flexible and resource-efficient alternative to traditional virtual machines by allowing applications to be isolated, yet lightweight and fast.
LXC falls under the category of Virtual Machine Platforms & Containers. In this category, technologies like LXC provide the infrastructure and tools necessary for creating and managing containers that encapsulate applications and their dependencies. These containers offer portability and scalability benefits, making them popular choices for developers and organizations looking to streamline deployment processes and improve resource utilization.
Founded in 2008 by Daniel Lezcano and Serge Hallyn, LXC was created with the aim of providing a user-friendly and efficient containerization solution for Linux systems. Their motivation was to offer a lightweight alternative to virtual machines that could enhance system isolation and management capabilities while maintaining performance efficiency. Over the years, LXC has gained recognition in the containerization space and has been integrated into various platforms and tools, contributing to the widespread adoption of container technologies.
Currently, LXC holds a significant market share within the Virtual Machine Platforms & Containers category, thanks to its established presence in the Linux ecosystem and its reputation for stability and performance. With the growing trend towards containerization in modern software development and deployment practices, the usage of technologies like LXC is expected to continue expanding. As more organizations embrace container-based solutions for their applications, the market share of LXC is forecasted to grow further in the future, driven by its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions and environments.
