Which definition best describes declarative configuration tools like Docker Compose?

Declarative configuration tools, such as Docker Compose, are designed to define the desired state of your application and its infrastructure. With these tools, you focus on specifying what the system should look like rather than outlining the exact steps to achieve that state. This approach allows you to declare your application’s services, networks, and volumes in a straightforward manner, and the tool takes care of the necessary steps to reach the defined state.

When you use Docker Compose, you write a configuration file (typically docker-compose.yml), in which you specify your application's components, including images, environment variables, and dependencies without needing to provide explicit instructions on how to create or manage those components. The tool interprets this configuration and handles the orchestration for you. This emphasis on the end goal rather than the process itself encapsulates the essence of declarative configuration.

This focus on the desired end state, as opposed to detailed step-by-step instructions, simplifies the management and modification of applications over time. Users can quickly adjust their configurations, with the understanding that the tool will ensure the system transitions to the new desired state efficiently and effectively.