# What Is Docker? ![rw-book-cover](https://api.boot.dev/v1/static/course_image/learn-docker) ## Metadata - Author: [[Boot.dev]] - Full Title: What Is Docker? - Category: #articles - Summary: Docker helps developers build and run applications quickly and easily. It uses containers, which are small and lightweight virtual machines. These containers include the application and its environment, making deployment simple and consistent. - URL: https://www.boot.dev/lessons/1ad1f240-1ec0-4ed5-8173-5a02a21eea83 ## Highlights - Docker takes away repetitive, mundane configuration tasks and is used throughout the development lifecycle for fast, easy and portable application development ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01km6fgf0294jm23r43k9vy104)) - Put simply: Docker allows us to deploy our applications inside "containers", which are kind of like *very* lightweight virtual machines. Instead of just shipping an application, we can ship an application *and the environment it runs in*. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/qvault-webapp-dynamic-assets/course_assets/FGpjTCQ-422x585.jpg) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01km6fh2dg4fmsnj2ebfesxh85))