> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gchandra.gitbook.io/big-data-and-tools-with-nosql/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gchandra.gitbook.io/big-data-and-tools-with-nosql/tools/containers/vms-or-containers.md).

# VMs or Containers

Brilliant engineers won’t worry about which is better… both are good in their own way.

Use them in combination to make life better.

The main types of container technologies include

* Docker
* LXC
* Podman

**Podman** stands out because it aligns well with Kubernetes, which uses pods (groups of one or more containers) as the basic building block. Podman operates directly with pods without needing a daemon, making running containers without root privileges simpler and safer. 

This design reduces the risk of privilege escalation attacks, making it a preferred choice in security-sensitive environments. Plus, Podman can run existing Docker containers without modification, making it easy to switch over.