Docker is a set of platform as a service products that use OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers). A Docker container is a lightweight, standalone, executable package of software that includes everything needed to run an application: code, runtime, system tools, system libraries, and settings. Containers are isolated from one another and bundle their own software, libraries, and configuration files, and they can communicate with each other through well-defined channels. Because all of the containers share the services of a single operating system kernel, they use fewer resources than virtual machines). Docker containers can run on a developers local laptop, on physical or virtual machines, in data centers, in the cloud, and in serverless environments. Docker provides tooling and a platform to manage the lifecycle of containers, including developing, distributing, and deploying them. Some benefits of Docker containers include:
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Portability: Containers are standardized, so they can be portable anywhere.
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Efficiency: Containers share the machines OS system kernel and therefore do not require an OS per application, driving higher server efficiencies and reducing server and licensing costs.
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Security: Applications are safer in containers, and Docker provides the strongest default isolation capabilities in the industry.
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Scalability: Many containers can be placed in a single host, and running services on hardware that is much cheaper than standard servers.
Docker containers are used to streamline the development lifecycle by allowing developers to work in standardized environments using local containers, which provide applications and services. Containers are great for continuous integration and continuous delivery workflows.
