![gVisor](g3doc/logo.png)

![](https://github.com/google/gvisor/workflows/Build/badge.svg)

## What is gVisor?

**gVisor** is an application kernel, written in Go, that implements a
substantial portion of the Linux system surface. It includes an
[Open Container Initiative (OCI)][oci] runtime called `runsc` that provides an
isolation boundary between the application and the host kernel. The `runsc`
runtime integrates with Docker and Kubernetes, making it simple to run sandboxed
containers.

## Why does gVisor exist?

Containers are not a [**sandbox**][sandbox]. While containers have
revolutionized how we develop, package, and deploy applications, using them to
run untrusted or potentially malicious code without additional isolation is not
a good idea. While using a single, shared kernel allows for efficiency and
performance gains, it also means that container escape is possible with a single
vulnerability.

gVisor is an application kernel for containers. It limits the host kernel
surface accessible to the application while still giving the application access
to all the features it expects. Unlike most kernels, gVisor does not assume or
require a fixed set of physical resources; instead, it leverages existing host
kernel functionality and runs as a normal process. In other words, gVisor
implements Linux by way of Linux.

gVisor should not be confused with technologies and tools to harden containers
against external threats, provide additional integrity checks, or limit the
scope of access for a service. One should always be careful about what data is
made available to a container.

## Documentation

User documentation and technical architecture, including quick start guides, can
be found at [gvisor.dev][gvisor-dev].

## Installing from source

gVisor builds on x86_64 and ARM64. Other architectures may become available in
the future.

For the purposes of these instructions, [bazel][bazel] and other build
dependencies are wrapped in a build container. It is possible to use
[bazel][bazel] directly, or type `make help` for standard targets.

### Requirements

Make sure the following dependencies are installed:

*   Linux 4.14.77+ ([older linux][old-linux])
*   [Docker version 17.09.0 or greater][docker]

### Building

Build and install the `runsc` binary:

```
make runsc
sudo cp ./bazel-bin/runsc/linux_amd64_pure_stripped/runsc /usr/local/bin
```

### Testing

To run standard test suites, you can use:

```
make unit-tests
make tests
```

To run specific tests, you can specify the target:

```
make test TARGETS="//runsc:version_test"
```

### Using `go get`

This project uses [bazel][bazel] to build and manage dependencies. A synthetic
`go` branch is maintained that is compatible with standard `go` tooling for
convenience.

For example, to build `runsc` directly from this branch:

```
echo "module runsc" > go.mod
GO111MODULE=on go get gvisor.dev/gvisor/runsc@go
CGO_ENABLED=0 GO111MODULE=on go install gvisor.dev/gvisor/runsc
```

Note that this branch is supported in a best effort capacity, and direct
development on this branch is not supported. Development should occur on the
`master` branch, which is then reflected into the `go` branch.

## Community & Governance

See [GOVERNANCE.md](GOVERNANCE.md) for project governance information.

The [gvisor-users mailing list][gvisor-users-list] and
[gvisor-dev mailing list][gvisor-dev-list] are good starting points for
questions and discussion.

## Security Policy

See [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md).

## Contributing

See [Contributing.md](CONTRIBUTING.md).

[bazel]: https://bazel.build
[community]: https://gvisor.googlesource.com/community
[docker]: https://www.docker.com
[gvisor-users-list]: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/gvisor-users
[gvisor-dev]: https://gvisor.dev
[gvisor-dev-list]: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/gvisor-dev
[oci]: https://www.opencontainers.org
[old-linux]: https://gvisor.dev/docs/user_guide/networking/#gso
[sandbox]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_(computer_security)