Ask HN: Containers for Development (Coding)?

I do much of my development in VMs (typically Linux host and client, with VirtualBox). It allows me to use the exact OS the client is using, and to track dependencies. Also, with VB's "seamless mode" and shared clipboard, windows from client and host can mix nicely (except Ubuntu), making it pleasant and productive.

I guess the main drawback is the amount of disk space required for each VM (typically I work on a laptop with SSD). So I ship OVAs off to backup when the project finishes. I'm also concerned that these archives will age quickly (changing specs, few users) and I will have problems accessing old projects.

Anyway, with all the talk of containers being a lighter-weight alternative to VMs, I wondered whether they could also be used for coding. Could I use containers instead of VMs? I have a vague understanding of the concepts, but no idea how they work in practice (can multiple containers share the same desktop, for example - can I use Eclipse or Intellij Idea in a container?).

Also, I'd like the host OS to be OpenSuse.

Does that make sense? Would it work? Does anyone do anything similar? Thanks.