Docker is a platform designed to help developers automate the deployment, scaling, and management of applications within lightweight, portable containers. These containers encapsulate an application with all its dependencies, ensuring consistent operation across different computing environments. Docker's portability eliminates the "it works on my machine" problem, providing a standardized environment regardless of deployment location. Docker, initially released in 2013, was created by Solomon Hykes and his colleagues at dotCloud, which was later renamed Docker, Inc..
Key features of Docker include rapid deployment, portability, scalability, and security. Unlike virtual machines, Docker containers start almost instantly, accelerating application deployment cycles. Docker's architecture allows for easy replication across development and production stages. Docker is an open-source platform that provides a command-line interface, tools, and integrations for various development environments. Docker Hub is a central repository of containers. Docker's cloud applications are configured for high availability with failover across multiple availability zones and consistently achieve 99.9% uptime.
Docker offers several pricing plans, including a free personal tier for individual developers. Paid plans like Pro, Team, and Business offer more advanced features and resources. Docker Pro is priced at $11 per user per month, while Docker Team is $16 per user per month. Docker Business costs $24 per user per month and is designed for enterprises needing robust security, control, and compliance features. Docker Hardened Images (DHI) are available at no cost for everyone. Docker's services, including Docker Hub Registry, Authentication, Web Services, and Desktop, are currently operational.