What is a Docker Container?

A container is an isolated environment that runs on top of the host operating system using Docker’s container engine. It shares the OS kernel but runs independently — lightweight and faster than VMs.

How It Works

• Start with a Docker image (blueprint).
• When Run Docker image → Docker creates a container.
• The container runs the app in isolation but can still communicate with the outside world if configured.

Key Features

• Isolation : Each container runs in its own environment.
• Portability : Runs the same way on any machine with Docker.
• Lightweight : Shares OS kernel — faster than VMs.
• Reproducible : Same image = same behavior everywhere.
• Disposable : Easy to start/stop/remove

Common Commands

Command	Function
docker create	Create a container but don’t start it.
docker run	Create & start container
docker start	Start existing one
docker stop	Stop running container
docker rm	Remove a stopped container
docker logs	View container logs.
docker exec -it bash	Access the container shell.

Docker Desktop

• All-in-one app for Windows/macOS to run Docker.
• Provides Docker Engine, CLI, GUI dashboard, and optional Kubernetes.
• Uses a lightweight Linux VM to run containers on non-Linux OS.
• Easy setup, manage images/containers, integrates with VS Code/WSL2.

Docker Desktop = Docker + GUI + Linux VM for easy container management.

Architecture