What is a key advantage of using Docker for application deployment?

The key advantage of using Docker for application deployment is environment isolation. Docker achieves this through containerization, which allows applications to run in their own isolated environments. Each container can have its own set of dependencies, libraries, and configurations without interfering with other containers or the host operating system. This isolation ensures that applications behave consistently across different environments, from development to testing to production, reducing the "it works on my machine" syndrome. By encapsulating everything an application needs to run, Docker simplifies the deployment process and enhances compatibility across various stages of the software development lifecycle.

This strong focus on isolation is one of Docker's most significant benefits, enabling developers to create more portable and scalable applications, thereby improving overall deployment efficiency and reliability.