What is the purpose of the 'docker exec' command?

The 'docker exec' command is specifically designed to run a command in an already running container. This is useful for administrative tasks, debugging, or interacting with the application's environment without needing to start a new container instance. When you use 'docker exec', you can access the container's filesystem, run processes, or interact with applications inside the container as if you were using a terminal directly within the container itself.

For example, you might want to check logs or configurations, run shell commands, or modify the environment inside the container without stopping the current operations. This capability allows for a dynamic interaction with the container while ensuring that the main process continues to run unimpeded, thereby facilitating effective container management and troubleshooting.