Docker Under the Hood: Architecture and Storage Essentials

Most people use Docker every day. But very few understand what actually happens when a container starts. A container is not magic. It is a carefully orchestrated combination of Linux kernel features, storage layering, and process isolation. This article breaks Docker down into the internal components that make containers possible. Docker Engine Architecture: What Happens When You Run a Command When you execute: id="m8x2dr" docker run nginx three major components are involved: CLI REST API Docker Daemon Docker CLI The CLI is what you interact with directly. It converts your command into an API request. REST API The REST API acts as the bridge between client requests and Docker Engine. Docker Daemon The daemon performs the real work: pulls images creates containers manages networks handles volumes Why Containers Feel Like Separate Machines Containers look isolated because Linux Namespaces create separate views for each container. Namespaces isolate: process IDs network interfaces mount p