Abstract

Containerization technologies have transformed software development and operations by offering lightweight, portable, and scalable environments for running applications across diverse infrastructures. Two of the most prominent container engines in this space are Docker and Podman. While both aim to facilitate packaging, distribution, and execution of software via containers, the underlying differences in their architectures produce unique strengths and limitations for modern workflows. Notably, Docker’s centralized daemon architecture offers well-established tooling and an expansive ecosystem, whereas Podman’s daemonless and rootless model addresses pressing security concerns and reduces single points of failure. This white paper provides an in-depth comparison of Docker and Podman, focusing on their architectural underpinnings, security implications, performance benchmarks, ecosystem maturity, and industry examples. By integrating recent academic research, best practices, and industry insights, the paper presents a comprehensive solution approach for organizations evaluating containerization platforms. With particular attention to security, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, we propose strategies and recommendations that not only aid in deciding between Docker and Podman but also guide the broader container adoption process in DevOps pipelines. This paper contributes novel insights to the growing body of knowledge on container-based workflows, aiming to empower informed decision-making and innovative implementations in the fast-evolving domain of cloud-native technologies.