Which option describes the process of creating an exact copy of a virtual machine for deployment?

Cloning refers to the process of creating an exact copy of a virtual machine, including its settings, applications, and data, making it ready for immediate deployment. This practice is particularly useful in environments where multiple instances of the same configuration are required, such as in testing, development, or scaling operations.

When a virtual machine is cloned, it can effectively be replicated without the need to manually configure each instance. This saves time and streamlines the deployment process, making it a common practice in cloud computing and virtualized environments. The cloned VM operates independently of the original, allowing for modifications and testing without impacting the source machine.

The other options refer to different concepts. Snapshots capture the state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time, which is useful for backup and restoration but does not create a separate operational instance. Mirroring typically refers to having a real-time, identical copy of data for redundancy and failsafe purposes, rather than creating a separate virtual machine instance. Redundancy involves having extra components or systems to ensure reliability and availability, rather than directly relating to the duplication of machines. Therefore, cloning is the precise term for creating an exact copy of a virtual machine.