What type of virtual file format is an OVA file?

An OVA file is indeed a single-file distribution format for packaging virtual machines. OVA stands for Open Virtual Appliance, and it is essentially a tar archive that contains all the components of a virtual appliance, including the virtual machine's disk image, metadata, and other necessary files needed to deploy a virtual machine on virtualization platforms that support the OVA standard.

This single-file approach makes it easier to distribute and deploy virtual machines, as all required components are bundled together, allowing for straightforward import into various virtualization environments. The advantage of using OVA files is that users can quickly transfer and deploy virtual machines with minimal complexity, enhancing interoperability across different platforms.

In contrast, a multiple-file distribution would involve handling several files that make up a virtual machine, which can complicate the deployment process. Source code packages would pertain more to software development rather than virtualization, and while OVA is indeed a container format, the defining characteristic that sets it apart in this context is its single-file convenience.