Containerization is a lightweight, standalone, executable software package that includes everything needed to run an application: the code, a runtime, system tools, system libraries, and settings. Coursera's containerization catalogue teaches you about the core concepts of containerization and its application in software development and deployment. You'll learn about containerization platforms like Docker and Kubernetes, how to package software into standardized units for development, shipment, and deployment. You'll also understand the advantages of containerization over traditional virtualization, such as resource efficiency, scalability, and portability. This skill is valuable for software engineers, system administrators, DevOps practitioners, and anyone looking to streamline software development and deployment processes.