Navigating the Docker Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Taxonomy and Survey

Abstract

The cloud computing landscape is rapidly expanding and growing in complexity. It has witnessed the emergence of Cloud Computing as a widely adopted model for efficiently processing large volumes of data by harnessing clusters of commodity computers. This evolution enables the handling of massive data through on-demand services, relying on numerous microservices with diverse dependencies. The technology of containers ensures secure storage, allowing for large-scale data processing with high scalability and portability. Container technology, particularly exemplified by Docker in the last decade, plays a pivotal role in this scenario. It empowers microservices to process data swiftly, enabling developers to dynamically scale these services in real-time. This paper initiates by establishing a comprehensive taxonomy for delineating container architecture. Focusing specifically on Docker containers, we scrutinize various existing container-related literature. Through this taxonomy and survey, we not only discern similarities and disparities in the architectural approaches of Docker container technology but also pinpoint areas necessitating further research.