Introduction to Containers/Apptainer
Ben Trumbore, Steve Lantz, and Zilu Wang
Cornell Center for Advanced Computing
4/2026 (original)
In this topic, you will learn what containers are, why you might want to use them, and how they differ from virtual machines. Our focus then turns to the Apptainer container platform: how it compares to Docker, why it relies on a Linux operating system, and how it can be installed on a personal computer or workstation.
Objectives
After you complete this topic, you should be able to:
- Describe the purpose for, and the characteristics of, containerized software
- Name the main advantages of using containers for running applications and providing applications to others
- Explain the technical distinctions between containers and virtual machines
- Contrast the Apptainer container platform to Docker
- Install Apptainer on common OSes while satisfying its dependence on Linux
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites.
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Cornell University
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Center for Advanced Computing
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Copyright Statement
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Access Statement
CVW material development is supported by NSF OAC awards 1854828, 2321040, 2323116 (UT Austin) and 2005506 (Indiana University)
CVW material development is supported by NSF OAC awards 1854828, 2321040, 2323116 (UT Austin) and 2005506 (Indiana University)