https://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/Recent content in Frequently asked questions and answers on Dapr DocsHugoenhttps://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/faq/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/faq/<h2 id="how-does-dapr-compare-to-service-meshes-such-as-istio-linkerd-or-osm">How does Dapr compare to service meshes such as Istio, Linkerd or OSM?</h2> <p>Dapr is not a service mesh. While service meshes focus on fine-grained network control, Dapr is focused on helping developers build distributed applications. Both Dapr and service meshes use the sidecar pattern and run alongside the application. They do have some overlapping features, but also offer unique benefits. For more information please read the <a href="https://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/service-mesh/">Dapr &amp; service meshes</a> concept page.</p>https://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/service-mesh/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://v1-18.docs.dapr.io/concepts/faq/service-mesh/<p>Dapr uses a sidecar architecture, running as a separate process alongside the application and includes features such as service invocation, network security, and <a href="https://middleware.io/blog/what-is-distributed-tracing/">distributed tracing</a>. This often raises the question: how does Dapr compare to service mesh solutions such as <a href="https://linkerd.io/">Linkerd</a>, <a href="https://istio.io/">Istio</a> and <a href="https://openservicemesh.io/">Open Service Mesh</a> among others?</p> <h2 id="how-dapr-and-service-meshes-compare">How Dapr and service meshes compare</h2> <p>While Dapr and service meshes do offer some overlapping capabilities, <strong>Dapr is not a service mesh</strong>, where a service mesh is defined as a <em>networking</em> service mesh. Unlike a service mesh which is focused on networking concerns, Dapr is focused on providing building blocks that make it easier for developers to build applications as microservices. Dapr is developer-centric, versus service meshes which are infrastructure-centric.</p>