What is an instance type in cloud computing?

In cloud computing, an instance type refers to a specific configuration of virtual hardware that defines the resources available to a virtual machine. This includes parameters such as the number of virtual CPUs, amount of memory (RAM), storage capabilities, and sometimes specific performance characteristics tailored for certain workloads.

Choosing the right instance type is crucial when deploying applications in the cloud, as it directly affects the performance, cost, and capabilities of the virtual environment. Each cloud provider typically offers multiple instance types, optimized for various use cases such as compute-intensive applications, memory-intensive applications, or general-purpose usage.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the concept of an instance type. The style of user interface design pertains to aesthetics and functionality in software applications rather than hardware configuration. The type of cloud deployment model refers to how a cloud service is delivered (like public, private, or hybrid) and is unrelated to hardware specifications. Lastly, the amount of storage allocated to a cloud account describes storage capacity and does not encompass the broader configuration of compute resources that an instance type represents.