[Article proposal] Orchestrate multi-container setups using Podman + systemd

Currently we have articles on podman + systemd in an “introductory” level with single container setups. Next step is to have a tutorial on how to orchestrate slightly more difficult setups with multiple containers.

The podman documentation is quite lacking on the specific mechanics of the systemd generator, especially for pods and larger setups. The work from this article could feed back into that documentation.

A major concern for this article is to address peoples uneasiness with the whole podman + systemd generator usage for a majority coming from docker-compose yaml files. “Demystification” of this process should help in getting more users on board.

Outline:

  1. What is podman and what are pods
  2. Compose a live pod setup
  3. Generate and manage systemd files for portability
  4. How the generator / generated unit files work
  5. Extra: convert compose yaml files

I’d like to highlight the ways to come up with a complex setup on podman by either manual effort or using tools to convert compose yaml files.

Next not only is it interesting how to generate more complex systemd unit file setups but also how the generator works to understand how to modify generated files to personal needs.

+1. I’d suggest keeping point one short since that has been covered before. Maybe provide a link to Fedora Classroom: Containers 101 with Podman for more information about podman and pods. I’m sure people could benefit from learning more about systemd.

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