Description: External dependency refers to a library or service that a container relies on but is not included within it. In the context of container technology, these dependencies are crucial for the proper functioning of applications. External dependencies allow containers to be lighter and more modular, as they can utilize resources and libraries that reside elsewhere, rather than including all necessary code within the container itself. This not only optimizes the container size but also facilitates the updating and maintenance of applications, as dependencies can be managed independently. Managing these dependencies is fundamental in development and production environments, where consistency and reproducibility are essential. Additionally, using external dependencies can improve development efficiency, allowing teams to focus on business logic without worrying about implementing every component from scratch.