Virtualization with Docker

Docker in ELinOS enables lightweight virtualization using standard Linux kernel features like cgroups (CPU/memory), netfilter (networking), and overlayfs (filesystem). This allows embedded developers to run multiple isolated applications or services while sharing the same kernel, saving resources and simplifying system architecture.

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What is Docker?

Docker is a lightweight containerization technology that allows you to package applications and their dependencies into isolated units called containers. Unlike traditional virtual machines, containers share the same operating system kernel, which makes them faster to start, more resource-efficient, and easier to manage.

Docker has become a standard tool in software development for building, deploying, and scaling applications consistently across different environments.

While Docker is widely used in cloud and enterprise environments, it's also highly relevant for embedded systems — especially when designed with modularity, maintainability, and scalability in mind.

ELinOS brings Docker’s advantages to embedded Linux, allowing developers to run containerized applications even on resource-constrained, real-time systems.

It supports modern workflows while meeting embedded requirements like low footprint, deterministic behavior, and strong system Security.

Modular & Reusable

Separate applications into self-contained containers for better structure and code reuse across projects

Lightweight by Design

Unlike traditional VMs, Docker containers share the Linux kernel, minimizing overhead and maximizing performance — ideal for embedded targets

Resource Management

Control CPU, memory, and storage usage per container to ensure predictable system behavior

Security through Isolation

Containers can run with restricted privileges, reducing the risk surface by avoiding unnecessary root access

Flexible Image Management

Choose from over 3.8 million community images (or 500+ verified ones), or build your own based on ELinOS. Even the Docker registry can run in a container for offline or private hosting

Stateless & Updatable

Stateless containers simplify updates — just pull the new version and restart the service. This streamlined update model also contributes to better system Security

How to set up a Node.js Web Server with Docker for ELinOS

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Modular Architecture with Microservices

Docker allows separating functions into individual containers, enabling better system structure, flexibility, and reuse of components across embedded projects

Lightweight and Efficient

Containers share the Linux kernel, resulting in minimal overhead — ideal for resource-constrained embedded platforms

Fine-grained Resource Control

Use Docker to manage CPU, memory, and storage usage per container, ensuring deterministic performance in multi-service systems

Simple and Secure Updates

Stateless containers simplify the update process: Pull the latest image and restart the service. This reduces complexity and improves system Security over time

Isolated and Privilege-restricted Services

Run services with minimal privileges and isolate them from each other. This limits potential attack surfaces and increases overall system resilience.

ELinOS-independent Containers

Docker containers are self-contained and don’t rely on ELinOS runtime packages. This increases flexibility and simplifies migration or integration with third-party software.

Private Image Hosting available

Deploy your own Docker registry as a container. No need to depend on public infrastructure for managing or distributing software images.