What is the primary function of Docker?

The primary function of Docker is to develop, deploy, and run applications using containers. Containers are lightweight, portable, and self-sufficient units that package an application along with its dependencies, ensuring consistency across different environments. This encapsulation allows developers to create applications that can run reliably in various computing environments, from a developer's local machine to a public cloud.

Docker simplifies the process of managing application deployment and scaling by enabling developers to focus on writing code without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. With Docker, applications can be easily versioned, shared, and executed consistently, making it an essential tool in modern DevOps practices and microservices architectures.

Using containers also enhances resource utilization and isolation, as multiple containers can run on the same host without interfering with one another, unlike traditional virtual machines that require heavier virtualized resources. This capability makes Docker vital for developing and deploying applications in a cloud-native environment.