Docker follows a structured lifecycle that enables efficient application deployment. The three fundamental steps in the Docker lifecycle are:
A Dockerfile is a text-based script containing a set of instructions that define how a Docker image should be built. It specifies the base image, dependencies, environment configurations, and the command to run the application. The Dockerfile ensures consistency by automating the image creation process.
Using the Dockerfile, a Docker image is created through the docker build command. A Docker image is a lightweight, standalone, and executable package that includes everything needed to run an application, such as the runtime environment, system tools, libraries, and dependencies.
Once the image is built, a Docker container is created and executed using the docker run command. A container is an isolated environment where the application runs consistently across different systems. Containers leverage the lightweight nature of Docker images, ensuring minimal overhead and fast deployment.