Container Registry
A container registry is a centralized repository for storing, managing, and distributing container images, such as those built with Docker or OCI (Open Container Initiative) standards. It enables developers and organizations to version, share, and deploy containerized applications securely across different environments, including development, testing, and production. Registries often include features like access control, vulnerability scanning, and image signing to ensure security and compliance.
Developers should use a container registry when working with containerized applications to streamline the build, test, and deployment pipeline, as it provides a reliable source for pulling and pushing images. It is essential in CI/CD workflows, microservices architectures, and cloud-native development to ensure consistency, scalability, and security across teams and infrastructure. For example, in a Kubernetes cluster, a registry is used to fetch images for pod deployment, making it critical for DevOps and cloud engineering roles.