Description: A Docker network is a virtual network that connects Docker containers, allowing them to communicate with each other and with the outside world. This network is configured to facilitate interaction between containers, providing an isolated environment where they can operate without external interference. Docker networks can be of various types, including bridge, host, and overlay networks, each designed to meet different connectivity and security needs. The bridge network is the most common and is used by default, allowing containers on the same network to communicate with each other via internal IP addresses. On the other hand, overlay networks enable communication between containers running on different hosts, which is essential for distributed applications. Network management in Docker is flexible and can be done through the command line or orchestration tools like Docker Compose. The ability to create custom networks and manage their configuration is crucial for modern application development, as it allows developers to define how different components of an application communicate, thereby optimizing performance and security.