Backup Images
Backup images are complete, point-in-time snapshots of a system's data, configuration, and state, typically stored as a single file or set of files. They are used to create exact replicas of systems for disaster recovery, migration, or archival purposes, ensuring data integrity and quick restoration. Common formats include disk images (e.g., ISO, VMDK) and container images (e.g., Docker images).
Developers should learn and use backup images to safeguard critical systems, enable rapid recovery from failures, and facilitate consistent deployments across environments. Specific use cases include backing up virtual machines, creating reproducible development setups, and migrating applications between servers or cloud platforms with minimal downtime.