Description: A user-defined network in container orchestration systems is a network specifically created to allow communication between containers in a controlled and customized manner. Unlike the default networks provided by container platforms, user-defined networks enable developers to set specific configurations, such as the type of network (bridge, overlay, etc.), IP address range, and other network parameters. This is particularly useful in development and production environments where more granular management of connectivity between services is required. By defining a network, containers can communicate with each other using service names instead of IP addresses, simplifying configuration and improving code readability. Additionally, user-defined networks can be configured to be isolated, meaning that containers on one network cannot communicate with containers on other networks unless explicitly allowed. This feature is crucial for the security and organization of complex applications that require multiple interconnected services.
