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Docker is a tool designed to make it easier to create, deploy, and run applications by using containers. Containers allow a developer to package up an application with all of the parts it needs, such as the required dependencies, and ship it out as one package. Docker can help you set a minimal minimal environment for your builds. Check out this Github Repo on how to build and run your docker image, and set up the environment for building AOSP Nougat 7.1.1.