What is the main function of a container registry in the context of GitLab?

The main function of a container registry in the context of GitLab is to store and manage Docker images efficiently. A container registry serves as a centralized repository where developers can store their Docker images, making it easier to share, version, and deploy these images across different environments. By using a container registry, organizations can ensure that the images are easily accessible to their CI/CD pipelines, enabling seamless integration and deployment processes.

This functionality is particularly important in modern development workflows, where containers are commonly used for packaging applications and their dependencies. This allows teams to maintain consistency and quality across development, testing, and production environments. The efficient storage and management capabilities of a container registry help teams to do this effectively, streamlining the development process and reducing deployment-related issues.