Containers - what you need to get started

Containers have emerged as a popular method for running and hosting applications and microservices due to their lightweight nature and efficiency compared to traditional virtual machines. These virtual environments benefit from better security, easy scalability, and minimal system maintenance, with Docker's OCI image format becoming the industry standard supported by major tech players. Docker Desktop simplifies containerization for Windows, Mac, and Linux users, offering features such as creating and managing container-ready apps, although it incurs a fee for larger companies. Container hosting options abound, ranging from major cloud services to on-premises solutions, with container registries and repositories playing crucial roles in ensuring proper image deployment and version control. To experiment with containerization, users can deploy apps like the Octopus underwater app through various service providers, with guides available to illustrate pipeline integration. As containerization continues to evolve, more resources and insights into its benefits and applications are anticipated.