The Docker Bangalore and Collabnix (Wasm) communities converged at the Microsoft Reactor Office for a groundbreaking meetup that explored the fusion of two transformative technologies. The event not only highlighted the dynamic relationship between Linux and Wasm containers but also emphasized the significance of expanding skill sets in the era of containerization. With an engaging agenda and a diverse lineup of speakers, the meetup promised insights, practical knowledge, and networking opportunities. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this illuminating half-day event.
Discovering the Power of Wasm Containers
In the fast-evolving Docker landscape, WebAssembly (Wasm) has emerged as a complementary technology to Linux containers. The meetup kicked off by acknowledging the transformative potential of Wasm containers. Attendees were introduced to the concept of utilizing Wasm alongside traditional containers, empowering developers to choose the technology that best fits their use cases. Docker Desktop and CLI’s capability to manage both Linux and Wasm containers side by side was highlighted as a game-changer, solving the notorious “it works on my machine” problem. This capability ensures seamless execution in production environments, enabling effortless building and running of Wasm applications using familiar tools and workflows.
Leveling Up Wasm Skills
The meetup aimed to be a stepping stone for attendees looking to master the realm of Wasm containers. Whether attendees were seasoned developers, operations engineers, or IT professionals, the event was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Wasm containers and supported runtimes in Docker Desktop. Experienced Wasm practitioners led engaging sessions, offering practical insights, techniques, and expert advice. These sessions catered to both novices and experts, fostering a sense of community and knowledge sharing.
The diversity of the Wasm landscape was a highlight, bridging gaps between different roles and skill levels. Attendees walked away with not only enhanced technical knowledge but also a newfound sense of camaraderie.
Unveiling the Agenda
The meetup’s well-crafted agenda promised a plethora of insights and knowledge-sharing. Let’s explore some of the captivating sessions that unfolded:
What’s New in Docker + Wasm?
I took the stage to reveal the latest developments in the world of Docker and Wasm. Attendees gained insights into cutting-edge technologies and trends, keeping them up to speed with the rapid evolution of the container landscape. During the talk, I highlighted new features like docker init, Compose File Watch and showed a quick 5-min demo one each of these tools.
Next, I spent considerable amount of time on the overview of Wasm and supported runtimes on the Docker Desktop platform. I deep-dived into how Docker collaborated with WasmEdge to create a containerd shim that allows developers to run WebAssembly (WASM) modules in Docker containers. The shim extracts the WASM module from the OCI artifact and runs it using the WasmEdge runtime. I showed a demo on how to run a Doom Game using Wasm container on top of Docker Desktop.
CI/CD and Containerization for Machine Learning
Saurav Maheshkar, a Research Machine Learning Engineer at Re:courseAI, shared his expertise in merging CI/CD practices with containerization for machine learning projects. The session emphasized the benefits of using CI/CD and containerization for building machine learning pipelines. He will also provide a template with different tools and frameworks to use while building and training said pipelines which can be used to improve the reliability, portability, and scalability of machine learning models.
Integrating Docker Scout with CI/CD: A Comprehensive Guide
Avinash Dalvi’s session delved into the intricacies of integrating Docker Scout with CI/CD pipelines. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the tools and practices needed to streamline containerized workflows. He initiated his session with the overview of Docker Scout and how it is different from other Security Scanning tool. During his demo, he showcased how to integrate Docker Scout with CI platform like Jenkins.
Building WASM Plugins for Envoy
Avinash Upadhyaya showcased the power of building WebAssembly plugins for Envoy, a high-performance proxy designed for cloud-native applications. Attendees discovered the potential of Wasm in extending the functionality of existing tools. He was able to make audience understand the envoy ecosystem and its extensibility. he also covered how one can extend Envoy using WASM based filters and look at other use cases of WASM as a means to write plug-gable but secure code. The talk also demonstrated an interesting example of a WASM based filter using Docker containers.
OCI Inspired – Container Format for Package Managers Built Using WebAssembly
Rudra Arora joined us remotely from Dublin, Ireland along with Michael, from Australia – both working at Wasmer.io. Their session explored an innovative use of Wasm: building a container format for package managers inspired by the Open Container Initiative (OCI) standards. This presentation demonstrated how Wasm can transcend traditional containerization boundaries.
Wasm-ing Up Falco: Leveraging WebAssembly for Scalability and Ease of Use
Rohith Raju shared insights into leveraging WebAssembly to enhance the scalability and usability of Falco, a popular cloud-native runtime security tool. Attendees were exposed to real-world applications of Wasm in enhancing security practices. He delved into the methods employed for compiling the expansive and well-established C++ codebase, Falco. As this project was undertaken by a #GSoC student, it encapsulates the various intricacies encountered when attempting to compile extensive codebases for the WebAssembly target. This session offered a fresh perspective by presenting the experiences, challenges faced and new possibilities for this technology.
Securing Your Spot in the Future of Containers
The meetup concluded by inviting attendees to secure their spots on the forefront of containerization innovation.
A compelling call to action urged participants to register for upcoming events, emphasizing the role of collaboration in shaping the future of container technologies. The event was not just a one-time gathering but a catalyst for continuous learning and growth within the WebAssembly community.
Conclusion
The Docker and Wasm Day Community Meetup at the Microsoft Reactor Office successfully captured the essence of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees left with enriched insights into the symbiotic relationship between Docker and Wasm, while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of Wasm containers. The diverse range of sessions, led by experienced practitioners, underscored the importance of continuous skill development in the dynamic world of containerization. As the technology landscape evolves, events like these bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and eager learners, forging a united community ready to embrace the future of container technologies.
