Containers

These have made a big difference in shipping and in software. The basic idea is the same: moving things in larger quantities is more efficient.

If moving a thousand units at one time is just as easy as a hundred, the cost per unit will be less. The only trick will be making it just as easy.

In shipping, the basic unit is is the trailer of a tractor-trailer. These can go anywhere there is a road, even a dirt road on a steep grade. Only one driver is required, but with two drivers and a bed on the back of the tractor, long distances are driven routinely. If more needs to be moved, more trucks can be employed. They are easily insured.

Container ships are getting larger and larger, and harbors are getting larger to accommodate them. These have large cranes to transfer containers from ships to trucks. Large storage areas are needed nearby where the containers can be stacked. Docks near large cities, such as London or New York City, are no longer practical.

Keeping track of thousand of containers on land and on sea, is the job of our next subject: the Computer.

Containers are popular on Computers also, and for the same reason: containers of data can be managed with the same operating system resources as smaller units. These containers of data are managed by Docker software. This is technology I can almost understand.

Clusters of Docker containers are orchestrated by Kubernetes software. I cannot begin to understand this stuff, but people who can understand it, tell me it is taking over the world.

If you see one of these driving by, stand up and salute it!