An open platform for distributed applications
Docker containers wrap up a piece of software in a complete filesystem that contains everything it needs to run for consistency in any environment.
Containers include the application and all of its dependencies --but share the kernel with other containers, running as isolated processes in user space on the host operating system. Docker containers are not tied to any specific infrastructure: they run on any computer, on any infrastructure, and in any cloud.
Containers running on a single machine share the same operating system kernel; they start instantly and use less RAM.
Docker containers are based on open standards, enabling containers to run on all major Linux distributions and on Microsoft Windows - and on top of any infrastructure.
Containers isolate applications from one another and the underlying infrastructure, while providing an added layer of protection for the application.