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youki
What it is
youki is a Linux container runtime written in Rust that implements the OCI runtime specification. Its documented commands cover creating, starting, listing, inspecting, and deleting containers, and it can run containers as a non-root user. The project explains how to use youki as a runtime with Docker and Podman. It says youki has passed containerd’s end-to-end test and is used in several production environments. The project identifies itself as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project and is available under the Apache License, Version 2.0, which grants no-charge, royalty-free copyright and patent licenses subject to its conditions. Local builds are supported on Linux and require Rust edition 2024 and Linux kernel version 5.3 or later. The project provides Vagrant environments and says users can try it in GitHub Codespaces. Its README cites Rust’s memory-safety benefits as a reason for using the language. Security issues can be reported through GitHub Security Advisories or by emailing project committers, who aim to triage reports and send an initial response within seven days; fixes may take longer. The project directs users to its community page for support and contribution information.
For and against
For
- Implements the OCI runtime specification
- Can run containers as a non-root user
- Documents Docker and Podman integration
- Free under the Apache License, Version 2.0
Against
- Local builds are supported only on Linux
- Requires Rust edition 2024 and Linux kernel 5.3 or later
- Security fixes may take longer than the initial response
The verdict
youki provides core container lifecycle operations and rootless operation in a Linux-focused runtime. Its build requirements and Linux support scope are important considerations for adoption.
Who it suits
It suits Linux users and teams looking for an OCI runtime that can run containers rootlessly and integrate with Docker or Podman. Builders need Rust edition 2024 and Linux kernel 5.3 or later.
Plans and prices
Apache-2.0 licensed software
No-charge, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute the work
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Build platform
- The README says local builds are supported only on Linux, with Vagrant environments provided to try it on other platforms.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The project says it has passed containerd’s end-to-end test and is adopted in several production environments.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Container lifecycle
- Its documented commands include creating, starting, listing, and deleting containers.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Development environment
- The project README says users can try Youki in GitHub Codespaces.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The README shows how to configure Docker to use youki as a container runtime and includes a Podman example.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository provides the software under the Apache License, Version 2.0.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- Local builds are supported on Linux, and the project provides Vagrant environments for trying it on other platforms.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Project affiliation
- The README identifies youki as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Project home
- The repository describes youki as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The README says youki has passed containerd’s end-to-end test and is adopted in several production environments.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- youki is an implementation of the OCI runtime specification written in Rust, similar to runc.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Building requires Rust edition 2024 and a Linux kernel version 5.3 or later.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Rootless mode
- youki provides a mode for running containers as a non-root user.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirements
- The README lists Rust edition 2024 and a Linux kernel version of at least 5.3 as requirements.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- Security issues can be reported through GitHub Security Advisories or by emailing the project committers.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security design
- The README cites Rust’s memory-safety benefits as a reason for implementing the runtime in Rust.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Security issues can be reported through GitHub Security Advisories or by emailing the project’s committers.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security response
- The security policy says committers will try to triage a report and send a first response within seven days.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
