Definition: A method of virtualization in which applications and their dependencies, system libraries, and settings are bundled within a "container". Containers ensure that applications run in consistent and reproducible environments.
Key Features:
Isolation: Each container operates as an independent unit, isolated from other containers.
Lightweight: Containers are more lightweight compared to traditional virtual machines as they don't require a separate operating system.
Portability: Once created, a container can run on any platform that supports the container engine.
Consistency: Ensures consistent environments across development, testing, and production.
Popular Technologies:
Docker: A widely used platform for creating, distributing, and running containers.
Kubernetes: An orchestration system for Docker containers that automates deployment, scaling, and management.
Advantages over VMs (Virtual Machines):
Resource Efficiency: Containers share the same OS kernel and only utilize necessary resources.
Faster Start Times: Containers can start and stop in fractions of a second.
Use Cases: Development, testing, continuous integration/continuous deployment, microservices architectures, and many other applications where isolation, consistency, and portability are beneficial.