Comparison of UFW, iptables, and nftables on Alpine Linux
This article provides a comparison of ufw, iptables, and nftables, focusing on their similarities and differences, particularly in the context of running on Alpine Linux.
Summary
UFW
• Support on Alpine Linux: ❌ Not natively supported.
• Use Case: Designed for ease of use on systems like Ubuntu.
• Advantages: Simplifies firewall management with user-friendly commands.
iptables
• Support on Alpine Linux: ✅ Fully supported.
• Use Case: Suitable for all environments, from simple to complex setups.
• Advantages: Highly flexible and powerful, though with a steeper learning curve.
nftables
• Support on Alpine Linux: ✅ Fully supported.
• Use Case: Recommended for new setups due to its modern features and performance benefits.
• Advantages: Simpler syntax than iptables, supports atomic rule changes, and designed to replace iptables with better performance.
For Alpine Linux, iptables and nftables are the primary choices, with nftables being the preferred option for new configurations due to its advanced capabilities and efficiency.