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 largescale 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.