In what situation would you utilize a "Dockerfile"?

Utilizing a "Dockerfile" is particularly advantageous when you want to automate the building of a Docker image. A Dockerfile is essentially a text file that contains a series of instructions on how to create an image. These instructions may include specifying the base image, installing necessary packages, copying files, and setting environment variables. By defining these steps in a Dockerfile, you can ensure a consistent and reproducible image build process, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability and portability of applications across different environments.

Moreover, using a Dockerfile allows developers to version control their application's environment and dependencies easily, making it simpler to manage changes and share configurations with others. This automation leads to increased efficiency in development workflows, enabling teams to focus more on building applications rather than on the manual process of image creation.

In contrast, running a container immediately involves using a pre-existing image, which does not require the creation of a Dockerfile. Installing Docker itself is a prerequisite for working with Docker containers and images and does not involve the use of a Dockerfile. Deleting a container pertains to container management rather than the creation of images, which again does not necessitate the use of a Dockerfile.