BeginnerPhone
2 min
Docker vs Virtual Machines
DockerVirtualizationContainers
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Interview Question
Explain the key differences between Docker containers and virtual machines. When would you use one over the other?
Key Points to Cover
- Containers share the host OS kernel, VMs have their own OS
- Containers are lighter and start faster
- VMs provide better isolation and security
- Use containers for microservices, VMs for legacy apps or strong isolation
Evaluation Rubric
Explains architectural differences (kernel sharing)30% weight
Mentions performance differences (startup time, resource usage)30% weight
Provides appropriate use cases for each40% weight
Hints
- 💡Think about what each technology virtualizes
- 💡Consider isolation levels and performance
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ⚠️Failing to clearly articulate the 'shared kernel' vs. 'own full OS' distinction for containers and VMs, respectively.
- ⚠️Overstating the security isolation of containers, or not acknowledging the shared kernel's potential implications.
- ⚠️Not providing concrete examples or scenarios for *when* to use one technology over the other, just listing differences.
- ⚠️Confusing the role of a container engine (like Docker Engine) with that of a hypervisor.
- ⚠️Focusing too much on a single aspect (e.g., just performance) without covering the broader implications of architecture, isolation, and use cases.
Potential Follow-up Questions
- ❓What about container orchestration?
- ❓How do you handle persistent data in containers?
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