Understanding Docker as a 11 years old

Do you ever wonder how software applications work, and how they can be shared with others? Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of Docker, a fascinating tool that simplifies the packaging and sharing of applications.

In this article, we will demystify Docker and explain its workings in a way that is easy for an 11-year-old to understand.

Life before Docker: The challenges developers faced

To better understand de Docker, lets see how developers was working withoud Docker.

In the world of software development, developers faced several challenges before the magical arrival of Docker. Let’s take a journey back in time and explore the problems they encountered and how Docker came to their rescue.

The Compatibility Puzzle:

Before Docker, developers faced a compatibility puzzle. Imagine trying to build a game that works on different computers with various operating systems and settings. It was like solving a difficult puzzle without the right pieces.

Each computer had its quirks, making it hard to ensure the game would run smoothly everywhere.

The Dependency problems :

Developers struggled with the dependency. When creating an application, they needed specific files, tools, and programs to make it work. But installing and managing all those dependencies on different computers was like a juggling act.

It took a lot of time and effort to set up the right environment for the application to run correctly.

The Deployment Drama :

Deploying applications was a dramatic process. Developers had to manually configure the application and its dependencies on each computer or server.

It was like putting together a complex puzzle, where one wrong piece could break the whole picture. This process was time-consuming and error-prone, leading to frustration and delays.

The Isolation Challenge :

Keeping applications isolated from one another was another challenge.

Imagine having different applications on a single computer, all sharing the same resources. If one application misbehaved or crashed, it could affect the others, causing chaos.

Developers needed a way to keep each application in its own separate bubble to prevent interference.

The Reproducibility Riddle :

Reproducing the exact same environment was a riddle for developers. Imagine sharing an application with a friend and hoping they could run it without any problems.

But because of differences in computer setups, things didn’t always go smoothly. The friend might be missing the right dependencies or have incompatible settings, leading to frustration and disappointment.

After we knew the problems that the developers were suffering from, let’s discover Docker.

Docker: The magic solution

What if I told you there’s a magic box that can help developers package their applications and everything needed to run them?

This enchanted box is called Docker. It’s a special tool that allows developers to place all the essential elements of an application inside a container, just like you organize your toys in a box.

How Does Docker Work ?

Imagine you have an awesome game you want to share with your friends. Instead of giving them your entire computer, which might have different settings and programs, you can use Docker to create a container that holds the game and everything necessary to run it.

1- Building the Container:

To build a container, developers use a special recipe called a Dockerfile. Think of it as a secret formula that guides Docker in assembling the container.

The Dockerfile contains instructions on what ingredients, also known as « dependencies, » are needed for the game to work. These ingredients could be special files, tools, or even other programs.

2- Running the Container

Once the container is ready, it’s like having a mini-computer that contains the game and all its special ingredients. To run the game, you open the container and start it up. Docker makes sur that the game runs the same way on any computer, just like magic!

3- Sharing the Container

Now, here’s the coolest part. With Docker, you can share your container with your friends easily. They can open the container on their computers, and voila, they have the game ready to play! It’s like sending them your magic box, and they can use it without any worries about compatibility or missing ingredients.

Conclusion

Docker is like a magical box that lets developers package their applications and share them easily. It ensures that the applications work the same way on different computers, making life easier for developers and users alike.

Just like a toy box keeps your toys organized, it keeps applications tidy and ready to use.

Here is others articles related to Docker :

How to install docker on Ubuntu 22.04

How to install Docker on CentOS 7