What are the differences between virtual environments and Docker?

What are the differences between virtual environments and Docker?

Virtual environments are used to manage dependencies for Python projects, while Docker containers package applications with all their dependencies.

Can you explain how each one works?

Sure! Virtual environments create isolated spaces for Python projects, allowing different projects to have different dependencies. Docker, on the other hand, uses containers to encapsulate an application and its environment, making it portable across different systems.

Which one should I use for my project?

It depends on your needs. If you're working solely with Python, virtual environments are simpler. If you need to deploy applications across various environments, Docker is more suitable.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, Docker can be more efficient in terms of resource usage since it shares the host OS kernel, while virtual environments can be heavier as they rely on the Python interpreter.