FTL proposes a userspace OS design for cloud containers
The project says each container would run an OS library, with a minimal kernel interface supporting Linux system calls in userspace.
FTL has outlined a design for cloud containers in which each container runs an operating system as a userspace shared library. The project’s description appeared on its website, linked through Hacker News.
The library would implement operating system concepts including Linux processes, a virtual file system and TCP/IP. FTL says its kernel would provide a minimal interface for implementing Linux system calls in userspace.
The project presents the design as combining flexibility and security associated with microkernels with the performance and simplicity of monolithic kernels. It says the approach could let developers extend Linux features without programming the kernel or using eBPF.
FTL’s stated goal is to make lightweight containers as secure as virtual machines while preserving performance. The material provided does not include security or performance results, implementation status or evidence of adoption.
