Docker is an open-source platform for developing, shipping, and running applications. It utilizes a concept called containerization, which packages your code and its dependencies into standardized units called containers. These containers are lightweight and portable, allowing them to run consistently across different environments.

The Structure of Docker

Docker operates using a client-server architecture:

• Docker Client: This is the user interface you interact with to build, run, and manage your containers. It sends commands to the Docker daemon.

• Docker Daemon (dockerd): This is the background service that handles the heavy lifting. It builds, runs, and distributes your Docker containers based on instructions from the client.

Benefits of Using Docker

• Portability: Containers run consistently regardless of the underlying infrastructure.

• Isolation: Applications run in isolated environments, preventing conflicts.

• Efficiency: Containers share the host's operating system kernel, making them lightweight and fast to start.

• Scalability: Easily scale your applications by adding or removing containers.