Containers are pieces of software that package code and all of the dependencies that code needs to run, including the runtime, tools, libraries, and settings. Development containers specifically let you code within this piece of software, providing a separate coding environment from your computer.
A Python dev container would include your Python app along with all the Python runtimes and dependencies already set up for you, no extra downloads necessary:
In your class, you could have a specific container for an assignment. Each student in your class will get the same exact same version of dependencies, such as the same version of Python or a C++ compiler, regardless of their operating system or any other files already installed on their computer.
In the diagram below, you'll see an example of three dev containers: one for Python, one for Java, and one for C++. Each of these dev containers would include the app and the dependencies that app needs to run. The dependencies are separate from the rest of your computer (which are represented by the Infrastructure and Host Operating System).
To get started with using dev containers in VS Code, you'll need to download the [Dev Containers](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.remote-containers) extension from the VS Code Marketplace.
You'll also need to download [Docker](https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/install-windows-home/), which is the industry standard for building and sharing containers.
Rather than creating dev containers from scratch, Dev Containers has several ways to help you [create dev containers](/docs/devcontainers/create-dev-container.md) or access existing dev containers.
<iframesrc="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Uvf2FVS1F8k?rel=0&disablekb=0&modestbranding=1&showinfo=0"frameborder="0"allowfullscreentitle="Development Containers: A Guide for Students"></iframe>
