youki
github.com
What it is
youki is a Linux container runtime written in Rust that implements the OCI runtime specification. It provides commands to create, start, list, inspect, and delete containers, and can run containers without root privileges. The project documents using it as a runtime with Docker and Podman, and reports passing containerd’s end-to-end test and adoption in several production environments. Building locally requires Rust edition 2024 and Linux kernel 5.3 or later; local builds are supported on Linux, with Vagrant environments and GitHub Codespaces available for trying it elsewhere. The project is a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project. youki is free under the Apache License, Version 2.0, which grants no-charge, royalty-free copyright and patent licenses subject to its terms. Security reports can be sent through GitHub Security Advisories or to the committers by email. The committers aim to triage reports and respond within seven days, though a fix may take longer.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- youki is a container runtime written in Rust that implements the OCI runtime specification.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Purpose
- youki is an implementation of the OCI runtime specification written in Rust, similar to runc.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Integrations
- The README shows how to configure Docker to use youki as a container runtime and includes a Podman example.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security
- Security issues can be reported through GitHub Security Advisories or by emailing the project committers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository provides the software under the Apache License, Version 2.0.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build platform
- The README says local builds are supported only on Linux, with Vagrant environments provided to try it on other platforms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The project says it has passed containerd’s end-to-end test and is adopted in several production environments.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Container lifecycle
- Its documented commands include creating, starting, listing, and deleting containers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Development environment
- The project README says users can try Youki in GitHub Codespaces.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Platform support
- Local builds are supported on Linux, and the project provides Vagrant environments for trying it on other platforms.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Project affiliation
- The README identifies youki as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Project home
- The repository describes youki as a Cloud Native Computing Foundation sandbox project.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Project status
- The README says youki has passed containerd’s end-to-end test and is adopted in several production environments.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Requirements
- Building requires Rust edition 2024 and a Linux kernel version 5.3 or later.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Rootless mode
- youki provides a mode for running containers as a non-root user.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Runtime requirements
- The README lists Rust edition 2024 and a Linux kernel version of at least 5.3 as requirements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security design
- The README cites Rust’s memory-safety benefits as a reason for implementing the runtime in Rust.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security reporting
- Security issues can be reported through GitHub Security Advisories or by emailing the project’s committers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security response
- The security policy says committers will try to triage a report and send a first response within seven days.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support and community
- The README directs users to the project community page for community and contribution information.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Apache-2.0 licensed software Free No-charge, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute the work Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Runs containers as a non-root user
- Documents Docker and Podman integration
- Supports container create, start, inspect, and delete
- Free under Apache License 2.0
Limits
- Local builds are supported only on Linux
- Requires Rust edition 2024 and Linux kernel 5.3 or later
- Security fixes may take longer than seven days
Who it suits
youki suits Linux users who need an OCI container runtime, including those integrating with Docker or Podman. It may also suit users who need rootless container operation.
Verdict
youki specifies its OCI runtime role, Linux build requirements, and container lifecycle commands. Check the Linux and kernel requirements before choosing it.
Where Specifiction places it
- Container Engines#19 of 317.5
- Container Runtime Software#20 of 287.5
