← Glossary
What does "container" mean in programming?
container is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A lightweight, isolated environment that packages an application and all its dependencies together. Containers run consistently across different machines because they include everything the app needs.
Example
"Run the application in a Docker container to make sure it works the same in dev and production."
Related terms
Ready to practice your English at work?
Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.
Try Lingua-e for free