Xen
Xen is an open-source hypervisor that enables hardware virtualization, allowing multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine. It provides a layer of abstraction between the hardware and the guest operating systems, managing CPU, memory, and I/O resources efficiently. Originally developed at the University of Cambridge, it is widely used in cloud computing and server environments for its performance and security features.
Developers should learn Xen when working on virtualization projects, such as building private clouds, managing server infrastructure, or deploying scalable applications that require isolated environments. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where high performance and security are critical, such as in data centers or for running legacy systems alongside modern ones. Knowledge of Xen is essential for roles involving system administration, DevOps, or cloud architecture in enterprises using virtualization technologies.