OS Package Dependency Layering for Container Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containerization tools face challenges in managing large, complex applications due to the lack of a defined mechanism for defining layers of an entire operating system and application ecosystem, leading to large container sizes and difficulty in security remediation, as well as inefficient dependency solvers that complicate size optimization and memory usage.
Innovation Solution
A processing device determines the dependency level of each package, sorts them, and creates image files sequentially based on dependency levels, storing frequently depended-on packages in lower layers to reduce container size and facilitate easier security fixes, while layering image files for application containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional containerization tools are used to package operating system distributions, then applications can run in isolated containers, but the container sizes become large and security remediation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating system packages into separate containerizable units based on dependency levels. Instead of containerizing the entire OS as a single large unit, it divides the packages into manageable segments that can be independently packaged and layered, reducing overall container size while maintaining isolation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary dependency analysis and packaging of OS packages before they are needed for containerization. By pre-determining dependency levels and pre-packaging packages into image files, the system avoids the need to re-package everything during container creation, reducing time and resource consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional containerization tools package the entire operating system, then all applications can run, but security vulnerability remediation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security vulnerability remediation into targeted updates of specific package layers. Instead of needing to re-package the entire operating system when a security vulnerability is discovered, administrators can update only the affected package layers, making security remediation faster and easier while maintaining broad application compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the operating system to have different packaging and update characteristics. Each package layer can be independently updated with security fixes without affecting other parts of the system, enabling localized security remediation while preserving overall system functionality.
3Ease of operation
If dependency solvers are used to manage packages, then application dependencies can be resolved, but the solvers are inefficient and complicate size optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs dependency analysis and packaging in advance, before containers are created. By pre-determining dependency levels and pre-packaging packages, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time dependency solving during container creation, significantly improving productivity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic packaging based on actual dependency analysis. Instead of using static package lists, the system dynamically determines which packages need to be packaged and at what dependency levels, optimizing the containerization process for each specific application's actual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to containerizing the packages of an operating system. More specifically, a dependency level of each of a plurality of packages included in an operating system may be determined and a container is generated in view of the dependency level.