What is the purpose of using the --name option in Docker?

The purpose of using the --name option in Docker is to assign a name to the container. This naming convention is particularly useful for managing and interacting with multiple containers running simultaneously. When a name is specified, it allows users to easily refer to that container without needing to remember its automatically generated ID, which can be long and complex.

Using a user-defined name enhances readability and simplifies commands when starting, stopping, or managing the container. Instead of using a container ID, which may not be intuitive, users can use a meaningful name that reflects the purpose of the container, making it easier to keep track of different services or applications in a complex containerized environment.

Other options don't align with the purpose of the --name flag. For instance, specifying an image publisher or defining a network configuration does not involve naming the container. Similarly, creating a new volume is a separate functionality that deals with persistent data storage rather than identifying the container itself.