container

Container refers to a portable enclosure used to hold and transport goods, as well as to a lightweight operating environment in computing. In logistics, a container is a standardized receptacle designed for efficient handling, stacking, and intermodal transport. Most modern containers are made of steel, with corrugated walls, rigid frames, and box-like dimensions that fit shipping terminals, ships, trucks, and railcars. Common sizes include 20-foot and 40-foot units; longer variations exist. Key features include corner fittings for lifting and stacking, interchangeable doors, and weatherproof seals. Containers enable long-distance transport with reduced loading and unloading, improving security and efficiency. Refrigerated containers add insulation and a built-in cooling unit.

In computing, containerization uses OS-level virtualization to run applications inside isolated user spaces called containers. Containers package an application and its dependencies into a portable image that can run identically across environments. They share the host operating system kernel but provide process isolation through namespaces and cgroups. Leading tools include container runtimes and orchestration platforms that manage deployment, scaling, and networking. Containers enable rapid deployment, reproducible environments, and improved resource utilization, but they require attention to security, image provenance, and orchestration complexity.

Other uses of the term include containers for medical or laboratory specimens, food, or liquids, designed to minimize contamination and maintain sterility or freshness.

The concept is central to modern logistics and software development, with containerized systems playing a major role in global supply chains and cloud-native architectures.