Containers/Mini-summit 2008/Proposal

Mini-summit proposal: Linux Kernel Containers Developer Summit

Topic

Namespaces, containers, cgroups, and container checkpoint/restart.

Description

Development for namespaces and cgroups is well underway in the mainline kernel. To keep momentum going and keep the loosely knit teams of developers well-coordinated, a physical meeting in which to discuss future development plans is needed. Additionally, we are at a point where crucial decisions about the nature of a "container object" and about the checkpoint/restart design need to be made.

A final set of topics will be decided upon through mailing lists ahead of time, but potential topics include:

• Handling filesystem/namespace synchronization
• Handling of /proc and /sysfs within containers
• Additional needed namespaces (i.e. device namespace)
• Nature of a 'container' — kernel object or userspace fiction
• Cgroup implementation
• Additional cgroups and their design
• Resource management
• How to initiate and synchronize checkpoint/restart
• How to enter a 'container'

Moderators

(Debating whether to: 1. switch to one moderator for each, 2. use non-experts for moderators so the experts are more free to argue...)

• Namespaces/containers: Serge Hallyn, Cedric Le Goater
• Cgroups and resource management: Paul Menage, Balbir Singh
• Checkpoint/restart: Dave Hansen, Cedric Le Goater

Expected Time Required

One day.

Number of Attendees

Approximately 30.

Technical Requirements

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard
• Network access
• Power for laptops
• doughnuts and croissants for participants