What is the purpose of a VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)?

The purpose of a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is to isolate resources in a logically separated virtual network. A VPC allows you to create a private, secure, and isolated environment within the AWS cloud where you can launch AWS resources, such as Amazon EC2 instances, and define your own network topology. This includes assigning IP addresses, configuring subnets, route tables, and network gateways, thereby ensuring that your resources can communicate with each other and the internet according to your specific security and routing requirements.

This isolation is crucial for creating a secure environment where sensitive applications can run without interference from other users within the AWS cloud. VPCs can also be configured to connect securely to on-premises data centers via VPN connections or AWS Direct Connect, further enhancing your network architecture while maintaining control over your data and resources.