Docker: When Containers Add Overhead Instead of Value

Docker is everywhere. Every application runs in containers. Every deployment uses Docker. Every team containerizes everything. But here’s the thing: Docker adds a runtime layer between your application and the OS. That layer has overhead. That overhead costs money. Containers aren’t free. They consume CPU. They consume memory. They consume disk space. They add complexity. They add operational burden. Most applications don’t need containers. Most applications can run directly on the OS. Most applications don’t need the isolation. Most applications don’t need the portability. ...

February 21, 2026 · 4 min · 714 words · Zaoui Amine