What is the difference between a Docker image and a running Docker container?

A Docker image is a template that contains all the necessary files, dependencies, and configurations to run an application. The image is static and does not change.

A Docker container is a running instance of an image. The container operates in isolation, has its own state and filesystem, which can change during operation.

In simpler terms:

• An image is like a class or template.
• A container is like an object created based on that class, which runs.