What is meant by 'microservices architecture' in the context of Docker?

Microservices architecture refers to a design approach in which applications are structured as a collection of small, independently deployable services, each focused on a specific business capability or function. This method contrasts sharply with monolithic architectures, where the entire application is built as a single, unified unit.

In the context of Docker, microservices can be managed effectively because Docker allows developers to package each microservice into its own container, making them portable and easy to deploy. Each microservice can be developed, updated, and scaled independently, which enhances the agility and resilience of applications. This architecture supports the principles of continuous integration and continuous deployment, as individual microservices can be deployed or modified without affecting the entire application.

The choice that indicates deploying everything in a single container suggests a monolithic approach, which does not embrace the independence and modularity that microservices promote. Similarly, creating one large service to manage all functionalities and building a monolithic application focuses on centralization, contrary to the distributed nature of microservices. Therefore, breaking down applications into small, independent services truly captures the essence of microservices architecture.