Virtualization and containerization are two different approaches to creating and managing virtual environments for software applications.
Virtualization involves creating a virtual machine (VM) that acts as a separate, self-contained operating system environment. Each VM runs its own operating system and applications, and has its own set of virtual hardware resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. Virtualization allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, improving utilization and reducing costs. Examples of virtualization technology include VMware and Hyper-V.
Containerization, on the other hand, is a newer approach to virtualization that is designed to be more lightweight and efficient. Containers are similar to virtual machines, in that they provide a self-contained environment for running applications. However, unlike virtual machines, containers do not include a full operating system. Instead, they share the host operating system and rely on the host for system services. This means that containers are much smaller and faster to start up than virtual machines, and can be run on a much larger scale. Examples of containerization technology include Docker and Kubernetes.
In summary, virtualization and containerization are both ways to create virtual environments for software applications, but they differ in the level of abstraction and the resources they provide. Virtualization provides a full operating system environment, while containerization provides a lightweight, application-focused environment that relies on the host operating system. Both approaches have their own benefits and trade-offs, and the best choice will depend on the specific requirements of the application and the infrastructure.