Oxide and Friends

Revisiting Unikernels

Jan 24, 2023
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INSIGHT

Unikernel Hype and Docker Peak

  • Unikernels gained hype after Docker's 2016 acquisition of Unikernel Systems, marking peak Docker enthusiasm.
  • Many were excited but unclear on the actual value or use cases, creating a hype-driven narrative.
INSIGHT

Unikernels Challenge OS Abstractions

  • Unikernels challenge the core operating system abstraction by removing system call boundaries.
  • This radical rethinking provides cognitive appeal but also introduces significant complexity and risks.
ANECDOTE

Practical Struggles with Unikernels

  • Steve Klabnik shared his experience attempting to run unikernel projects like Hyper on Rump unikernel.
  • Despite enthusiasm, practical use beyond Hello World was difficult due to complexity and tooling immaturity.
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