When is a Docker container considered "orphaned"?

A Docker container is considered "orphaned" when it is running without being connected to any active services or networks. This situation typically arises when a container is launched but is not properly integrated into an application or service architecture, meaning it cannot communicate or interact with other components that are essential for its operations.

In a microservices architecture or a multi-container application, containers rely heavily on networking and service discovery to perform their functions. If a container lacks these connections, it essentially becomes isolated, rendering it incapable of fulfilling its intended role within the system. This isolation is what defines an "orphaned" container, as it no longer has a meaningful purpose or utility within the broader application ecosystem.

Other scenarios such as a container being stopped, lacking persistent data, or crashing due to memory limits do not necessarily signify that it is orphaned. Instead, they represent different issues related to container management and resource allocation.