What is Docker?
Docker is an open source platform that allows developers to create, deploy, run, and manage containers, which are standardized, executable components that combine application source code with the operating system (OS) dependencies and libraries needed to run. said code in any environment.
How Docker works
Docker uses a layering model to organize containers. Each container is composed of a base layer, which is a minimal operating system, and one or more application layers, which contain the application’s source code and its dependencies.
When you create a Docker container, an image of the container is created. An image is a file that contains all the layers that make up the container. Images can be stored in a public or private registry.
When a Docker container is run, an instance of the container is created. An instance is a run of a container in a specific environment.
Docker Advantages
Docker offers a number of advantages over traditional ways of deploying applications, including the following:
• Portability: Docker containers can run in any environment that has the Docker engine installed. This makes it easier to deploy applications in the cloud or hybrid environments.
• Efficiency: Docker containers are more efficient than traditional virtual machines. This is because containers share the kernel of the host operating system, which reduces resource consumption.
• Security: Docker containers can help improve application security. This is because containers are isolated from each other, which reduces the risk that a compromised application could affect other applications.
Uses of Docker
Docker is used for a wide range of applications, including the following:
• Application deployment: Docker can be used to deploy applications in the cloud or on-premises environments.
• Application development: Docker can be used to accelerate application development by allowing developers to create custom development environments.
• Application management: Docker can be used to automate application management, such as updating and scaling.
Install Docker Engine
This section describes how to install Docker Engine on Linux, also known as Docker CE. Docker Engine is also available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, through Docker Desktop. For instructions on how to install Docker Desktop, see: