Docker is a platform for building, shipping, and running applications in containers. Using Docker, you can package your SQL Server installation, along with all its dependencies, into a container. This container can then be run on any machine with Docker installed, ensuring consistency and portability. This is particularly useful for development, testing, and deployment environments. Docker containers are lightweight and isolated, meaning they don't interfere with other applications or the host operating system. This isolation is crucial for maintaining stability and security in complex deployments. Docker also simplifies the process of scaling your SQL Server instance by easily creating multiple containers.