What does the 'docker stop' command do?

The 'docker stop' command is specifically designed to stop a running container gracefully. When executed, it sends a SIGTERM signal to the main process within the container, allowing it to perform cleanup operations and terminate properly. If the process does not stop within a specified timeout period (default is 10 seconds), Docker then sends a SIGKILL signal to forcefully terminate the container. This behavior ensures that applications running within the container have a chance to finish any ongoing work before stopping completely, making it a reliable way to halt a container's operation without abruptly ending it.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of the 'docker stop' command. Pausing a running container is achieved using a different command, 'docker pause'. Removing a stopped container is done with 'docker rm', and starting a new container is accomplished with 'docker run', highlighting the distinct purpose of the 'docker stop' command within the Docker suite of tools.