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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tech-containers-share-kernel

Several containers run on one Linux host. What do they all share?

The host's kernel; a virtual machine brings its own.

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  3. The host's kernel ✔

Why: A virtual machine includes a guest operating system with its own kernel. A container is an isolated process with needed files, but it uses the host's kernel. Avoiding a separate guest OS reduces overhead.

Huh, didn't know that: Multiple containers can share one host kernel while keeping their processes and files isolated.

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Why did the containers get along so well? They all shared the same kernel of truth.
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References

Answer: The host's kernel. A virtual machine includes a guest operating system with its own kernel. A container is an isolated process with needed files, but it uses the host's kernel. Avoiding a separate guest OS reduces overhead.

  1. Docker Docs: What is a container? docs.docker.com/get-started/docker-concepts/the-basics/what-is-a-container
    If you run multiple containers, they all share the same kernel, allowing you to run more applications on less infrastructure.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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