What does the command 'docker ps' accomplish?

The command 'docker ps' is specifically designed to display all currently active (running) Docker containers. When executed, it provides a snapshot of the containers that are up and running, presenting key information such as their container IDs, names, status, and any ports that are being published. This is essential for users to monitor which containers are operational at any given time, allowing for effective management and troubleshooting within the Docker environment.

Options related to listing images, displaying resource usage, or removing containers pertain to different Docker commands. For example, listing images can be done through 'docker images', while resource usage would generally be monitored with commands like 'docker stats', and stopping or removing containers is handled with commands such as 'docker stop' and 'docker rm'. Understanding the purpose of 'docker ps' helps clarify how one interacts with containers specifically, underscoring its importance in daily Docker operations.