What is a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)?

A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is best defined as a logically isolated section of the AWS cloud. This environment allows users to launch AWS resources in a virtual network that they define. A VPC provides the flexibility of a private network along with the scalability and robustness of the AWS cloud.

In this isolated section, users have control over aspects such as IP address ranges, subnets, route tables, and network gateways, thus enabling them to tailor the environment to their specific needs while maintaining a high level of security. This isolation helps protect the resources within the VPC from other networks in the AWS cloud, allowing for secure management of sensitive data and workloads.

Understanding what a VPC is crucial for effectively utilizing AWS services and ensuring that applications are securely run and managed in the cloud.