What is the lightweight package used for deploying software efficiently called?

The lightweight package used for efficiently deploying software is referred to as a container image. Container images encapsulate all the necessary components—such as code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies—needed to run an application in a consistent environment. This self-contained approach allows for greater portability across different systems and cloud environments, making it easy to deploy applications in various places without worrying about inconsistencies.

Container images are often used in conjunction with container orchestration platforms, like Kubernetes, which manage the deployment and scaling of applications. This methodology supports microservices architectures and DevOps practices by enabling rapid development, deployment, and scaling while maintaining resource efficiency.

The other options do not accurately describe the package type designed for this modern deployment approach. For example, virtual machines are heavier and include an entire operating system, whereas software packages might refer to various standalone software formats without the lightweight characteristics inherent to containers, and a deployment kit implies broader tools that support deployment processes rather than being a specific package format.