Which deployment approach enables running applications with their dependencies across different environments?

• A. Virtualization
• B. Version control
• C. Continuous integration
• D. Containerization

Answer: (D)

Containerization packages the application together with its runtime, libraries, and configuration into a portable unit that can run the same way in different environments. These containers are lightweight and share the host’s kernel, so the same image behaves consistently whether it’s deployed in development, testing, or production, on-premises or in the cloud. This “build once, run anywhere” approach minimizes environment-specific issues and simplifies deployment.

Virtualization, while allowing isolation, uses full virtual machines with their own OS, which is heavier and not as streamlined for moving just the application and its dependencies. Version control tracks code changes, and continuous integration automates building and testing, but neither by themselves ensures consistent runtime environments across deployments. Hence, containerization is the best fit.