LXD vs Docker for Homelab
Why I chose LXD over Docker and VMs for my Kubernetes Homelab 🏗️☸️ ?
I just set-up a 4-server k8s Homelab, and while my first choice was Docker for apps or Multi-pass/VMs for isolation, I went with LXD. Here’s why:
1. 𝗩𝗠'𝘀 are too "Expensive": Running 4 separate kernels wastes massive RAM.
Layers: Physical hardware ➡ host OS ➡ Hypervisor(VMware) ➡ Guest OS
2. 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 is too "Thin": K8s expects to manage a node, not just a process. Docker-in-docker lacks the systemd init and robust networking required for a stable kubeadm environment.
Layers: Physical hardware ➡ host OS Kernel (shared) ➡ Docker Engine
The 𝗟𝗫𝗗 effect:
Layers: Physical hardware ➡ host OS Kernel (shared) ➡ LXD ➡ Full Guest OS
✅ Real Nodes: Each node has its own users, cron daemon, IP, storage, and systemd—essential for practicing kubeadm deployments.
✅ Instant Snapshots: I can snapshot the entire cluster before a risky kubectl upgrade and revert in seconds.
✅ Efficiency: I’m running a full 4-node cluster with less overhead than a single heavy Windows VM.
You can follow my journey through this repository: https://lnkd.in/g5U-VZ7t
prakyath.dev
#Kubernetes #K8s #LXD #CloudNative #Homelab #Ubuntu #DevOps #LinuxContainers