zoom_in Click to enlarge

LXD

▲ ▼

language

description LXD Overview

LXD is a Linux-based container management tool designed for creating and running system containers. It utilizes lightweight virtualization to offer isolated environments based on shared host kernels. These containers, known as LXD containers, provide independent root file systems and processes suitable for applications requiring strong isolation or mimicking traditional virtual machines. LXD is particularly useful for developers, system administrators, and anyone needing a flexible way to manage application deployments and test environments within a Linux environment.

help LXD FAQ

Is LXD the same thing as Docker?

No, LXD provides system containers that run a full Linux operating system with its own init process and services, while Docker is primarily designed for application containers that run a single process. LXD is closer to a lightweight virtual machine experience than to Docker's process-isolation model.

Who created and maintains LXD?

LXD was originally developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, and was later moved under the Linux Containers project umbrella. The Linux Containers community also maintains the underlying LXC technology that LXD builds upon.

Can LXD run virtual machines in addition to containers?

Yes, starting around version 4.0, LXD added the ability to manage full virtual machines using QEMU alongside its system containers. Users can create and manage both VMs and containers through the same command-line interface and API.

What is the difference between LXC and LXD?

LXC is the lower-level Linux container technology that provides kernel-level isolation using namespaces and cgroups, while LXD is a higher-level manager and API that sits on top of LXC to provide a more user-friendly experience for creating and managing system containers at scale.

swap_horiz

Looking for LXD alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward