Linux Virtualization

Containers and PID virtualization

Posted by Fraser Campbell Thu, 19 Jan 2006 11:40:00 GMT

LWN is reporting on IBM’s attempt to add “containers” to the Linux kernel. Quoting LWN:

The folks at IBM would like to add a “container” capability to the Linux kernel. Containers are a way of walling a group of processes off from the rest of the system; a process within a container will only see its fellow inmate processes and whatever resources are made accessible to that container.

The ultimate goal appears to be the ability to checkpoint and restart a container (possibly consisting of many processes).

The patch quite far reaching, submitted in 34 parts and is apparently stirring up some resistance.

This patch implements some functionality that is already present in the OpenVZ and Linux-Vservers code. Now a 3rd competing patchset is being made available. Ultimately the best option is likely to make it into the kernel.org kernel but much debate remains as to which version (if any) will be the winner.

The LWN article is available to subscribers only, if you check back in 1 to 2 weeks it should be freely available.

The PID virtualization discussion seems to have begun in December. You can follow discussions on the Linux kernel mailing list, a good starting point would be here.