A Docker container is a lightweight, standalone, executable package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software, including the code, runtime, system tools, libraries, and settings. Containers virtualize the operating system instead of the hardware, making them more efficient than traditional virtual machines. Docker containers ensure applications run consistently across different environments (development, testing, production) and enable microservices architectures. Container orchestration tools like Kubernetes manage container deployment, scaling, and networking at scale.
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