What is a container registry? A guide + top 8 registries to consider

Container registries and repositories are often confused, though they serve distinct purposes, with repositories storing containerized application images and registries acting as a collection and catalogue for managing and deploying these images. The Open Container Initiative (OCI) format has become the industry standard, supported by major technology and cloud service providers, and is often marketed interchangeably with Docker images. Popular container registries include Docker Hub, which is well-known for its extensive public registry, and Amazon ECR, which integrates seamlessly with AWS services like ECS and EKS. Other notable registries are Harbor, which is open-source and versatile; Azure Container Registry, known for its geo-replication capabilities; GitHub Container Registry, part of GitHub Packages, which offers ease of use and integration with GitHub Actions; Google Cloud's Container Registry, a strong all-rounder; JFrog Container Registry, which provides scalability and supports multiple package types; and Red Hat Quay, ideal for private enterprise solutions and featuring geo-location options and BitTorrent support for distribution. Each registry offers unique features catering to different needs, sizes, and integration preferences within the DevOps and cloud orchestration landscape.