Description: The KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) virtualization stack is a set of software components that enables virtualization on Linux-based operating systems. KVM turns the Linux kernel into a hypervisor, allowing multiple guest operating systems to run in parallel on physical hardware. This technology relies on modern processors’ ability to support virtualization, using extensions like Intel VT-x and AMD-V. KVM integrates closely with QEMU, an emulator and virtualizer that provides the user interface and necessary tools to manage virtual machines. Together, KVM and QEMU offer a robust and flexible virtualization environment, enabling users to create, manage, and run virtual machines efficiently. Key features include high resource utilization efficiency, live migration of virtual machines, and support for a wide range of virtual devices. KVM is widely used in server environments, data centers, and cloud computing due to its performance and scalability, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to optimize their IT infrastructure.
History: KVM was introduced in 2006 by Avi Kivity as a module of the Linux kernel. Its development was driven by the need for an efficient and high-performance virtualization solution in Linux environments. Since its release, KVM has significantly evolved, incorporating performance improvements and features, and has become an integral part of many Linux distributions. In 2008, KVM was included in the Linux kernel, which facilitated its widespread adoption and use.
Uses: KVM is primarily used in server environments and data centers to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. It is also common in desktop virtualization and in creating development and testing environments. Additionally, KVM is a popular choice for implementing private and public cloud solutions, allowing businesses to scale their resources efficiently.
Examples: A practical example of KVM is its use in OpenStack, where it acts as the hypervisor to manage virtual machine instances in the cloud. Another case is the use of KVM in virtualization platforms like Proxmox VE, which allows users to easily manage their virtualized environments through a web interface.
