# Firecracker

> serverless computing infrastructure

**Wikidata**: [Q107341874](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107341874)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firecracker_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/firecracker-q107341874

## Summary
Firecracker is a serverless computing infrastructure software entity developed by Amazon Web Services. It operates using the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) and is maintained as an open-source project under the Apache Software License 2.0. The technology serves as a non-tangible executable component designed to facilitate virtualization processes.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Firecracker is an instance of software, defined as a non-tangible executable component of a computer.
- **Developer:** The entity was created and is maintained by Amazon Web Services.
- **Core Technology:** It utilizes the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM).
- **License:** The software is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Repository:** The source code is hosted at `github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker`.
- **Initial Release:** The earliest recorded version in the provided history is v0.10.1, released on October 24, 2018.
- **Latest Stable Version:** As recorded in the source material, version 1.14.0 was published on December 17, 2025.
- **Website:** Official documentation and information are located at `https://firecracker-microvm.github.io/`.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** It is documented under the title "Firecracker (software)" in English (en) and Persian (fa).

## FAQs
### Q: Who develops and maintains Firecracker?
A: Firecracker is developed by Amazon Web Services. The project is open-source, with its code repository maintained under the GitHub username `firecracker-microvm`.

### Q: What underlying technology does Firecracker use?
A: The software utilizes the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) to function. This allows it to serve as serverless computing infrastructure.

### Q: Under what license is Firecracker distributed?
A: Firecracker is released under the Apache Software License 2.0. Despite being open-source, the entity retains a copyrighted status.

### Q: When was the first version of Firecracker released?
A: Based on provided records, the first version (v0.10.1) was released on October 24, 2018.

## Why It Matters
Firecracker represents a significant evolution in serverless computing infrastructure, bridging the gap between virtualization overhead and application performance. By leveraging the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), it provides a distinct method for executing software that differs from traditional hardware emulation or container-only approaches. Its development by a major cloud provider (Amazon Web Services) highlights its industrial relevance for high-density workloads. As an instance of software, it embodies the characteristics of non-tangible executable logic while addressing specific needs in security and isolation common to serverless environments.

## Notable For
- **Industry Leadership:** Developed by Amazon Web Services, a leader in cloud computing infrastructure.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Available under the Apache Software License 2.0, allowing for broad adoption and modification.
- **Virtualization Integration:** Direct integration with Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) distinguishes it from pure containerization technologies.
- **Active Development Cycle:** The project demonstrates a rigorous release schedule, with version numbers spanning from v0.10.1 in 2018 to v1.14.0 in 2025.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
Firecracker is formally defined as serverless computing infrastructure. Within the broader taxonomy of computing, it is an instance of **software**, meaning it is a non-tangible executable component of a computer system. As software, it functions as a creative work and a product composed of computer programs and data. It is designed to operate in opposition to computer hardware, serving as the logical means by which physical resources are utilized.

### Technical Architecture and Components
The core function of Firecracker relies on **Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)**. This dependency places it within a specific category of virtualization tools that interact directly with the Linux kernel's virtualization capabilities. As a piece of software, it possesses the standard attributes of source code, software architecture, and specific features defined by its developers at **Amazon Web Services**.

The software is copyrighted but freely available for use and distribution under the **Apache Software License 2.0**. This licensing model supports its status as a tool and a means for performing logical operations within a serverless environment.

### Development History
Firecracker has maintained an active development lifecycle since its inception in 2018. The progression of its versions highlights a transition from early experimental releases to stable, long-term support versions.

- **Inception (2018):** The first recorded release, version **0.10.1**, occurred on October 24, 2018.
- **Rapid Iteration (2019-2021):** The project saw frequent minor and patch updates, with versions quickly progressing through the 0.1x series (e.g., v0.14.0 in Jan 2019, v0.18.0 in Sept 2019) and into the 0.2x series (e.g., v0.24.0 in Dec 2020).
- **Maturation (2022):** A significant milestone was reached with the release of version **1.0.0** on January 31, 2022, signaling API stability.
- **Modernization (2023-2025):** The project continued to evolve with stable releases such as v1.5.0 (Oct 2023) and v1.6.0 (Dec 2023). The provided timeline extends to version **1.14.0**, listed as a stable version released on December 17, 2025.

### Distribution and Availability
Firecracker is widely accessible through various channels. The primary **source code repository** is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker`. The official website for the project is `https://firecracker-microvm.github.io/`.

In addition to the source code, the software is packaged for various systems. It is listed as a **Repology project** under the name "firecracker" and is available as an **openSUSE package**. The software is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including English and Persian, and maintains a presence in global knowledge bases such as Wikidata and DBpedia.

## References

1. [Release 0.10.1. 2018](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.10.1)
2. [Release 0.14.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
3. [Release 0.15.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
4. [Release 0.16.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
5. [Release 0.17.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
6. [Release 0.18.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.18.0)
7. [Release 0.18.1. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.18.1)
8. [Release 0.19.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.19.0)
9. [Release 0.19.1. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.19.1)
10. [Release 0.20.0. 2019](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.20.0)
11. [Release 0.20.1. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.20.1)
12. [Release 0.21.0. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.21.0)
13. [Release 0.21.1. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.21.1)
14. [Release 0.21.2. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.21.2)
15. [Release 0.21.3. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.21.3)
16. [Release 0.22.0. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.22.0)
17. [Release 0.22.1. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.22.1)
18. [Release 0.22.2. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.22.2)
19. [Release 0.22.3. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.22.3)
20. [Release 0.22.4. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.22.4)
21. [Release 0.23.0. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.0)
22. [Release 0.23.1. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.1)
23. [Release 0.23.2. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.2)
24. [Release 0.23.3. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.3)
25. [Release 0.23.4. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.4)
26. [Release 0.23.5. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.23.5)
27. [Release 0.24.0. 2020](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.0)
28. [Release 0.24.1. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.1)
29. [Release 0.24.2. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.2)
30. [Release 0.24.3. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.3)
31. [Release 0.24.4. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.4)
32. [Release 0.24.5. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.5)
33. [Release 0.24.6. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.24.6)
34. [Release 0.25.0. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.25.0)
35. [Release 0.25.1. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.25.1)
36. [Release 0.25.2. 2021](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v0.25.2)
37. [Release 1.0.0. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
38. [Release 1.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.1.0)
39. [Release 1.1.1. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
40. [Release 1.0.1. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
41. [Release 1.1.2. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.1.2)
42. [Release 1.0.2. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.0.2)
43. [Release 1.1.3. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.1.3)
44. [Release 1.1.4. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.1.4)
45. [Release 1.2.0. 2022](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
46. [Release 1.3.0. 2023](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.3.0)
47. [Release 1.3.1. 2023](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.3.1)
48. [Release 1.3.2. 2023](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.3.2)
49. [Release 1.2.1. 2023](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.2.1)
50. [Release 1.3.3. 2023](https://github.com/firecracker-microvm/firecracker/releases/tag/v1.3.3)