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Docker Best Practices

This file outlines best practices for using Docker in development and production environments.

Dockerfile Best Practices​

  • Use specific version tags, avoid latest
  • Minimize the number of layers
  • Use multi-stage builds for smaller images
  • Run containers as non-root users
  • Use .dockerignore to exclude unnecessary files

Image Optimization​

  • Choose appropriate base images (Alpine Linux for smaller size)
  • Remove package managers and temporary files
  • Combine RUN commands to reduce layers
  • Use COPY instead of ADD when possible

Security Considerations​

  • Scan images for vulnerabilities
  • Use trusted base images
  • Keep images updated
  • Implement proper secret management
  • Use read-only containers when possible

Production Guidelines​

  • Use orchestration platforms (Kubernetes, Docker Swarm)
  • Implement health checks
  • Configure proper logging
  • Monitor resource usage
  • Use environment-specific configurations

Example Dockerfile​

FROM node:16-alpine
WORKDIR /app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm ci --only=production
COPY . .
EXPOSE 3000
USER node
CMD ["npm", "start"]