Docker has revolutionized application deployment, but to use its full potential, you need to follow best practices. Here's a concise guide with examples for efficient containerization.
1. Start with Official Images:
Use official images as a base. For instance, if you're working with Node.js, start with node:14-alpine.
2. Optimize Your Dockerfile:
Minimize your image size by chaining commands together:
3. Use .dockerignore:
Create a .dockerignore file to exclude unnecessary files during build:
4. Multi-Stage Builds:
For production images, use multi-stage builds to reduce image size:
5. Environment Variables:
Use environment variables for configurations, e.g., for a Node.js app:
6. Health Checks:
Add a health check instruction to your Dockerfile:
7. Resource Constraints:
Define resource constraints in your Docker-Compose file:
8. Logging and Monitoring:
Use tools like Docker logs, ELK stack, or Prometheus for comprehensive logging and monitoring.
9. Container Registries:
Push your custom images to a private registry:
10. Versioned Images:
Tag your images for versioning:
These best practices will help you create efficient, secure, and maintainable Docker containers, improving your development and deployment workflows. 💻
Top comments (10)
Just a heads up that the Markdown we use here supports syntax highlighting, and is generally more accessible than inserting an image of code. Images of text are an issue for people using screen readers, for example, and their content won't get picked up by the site's search facility.
You can add code blocks with 3 backticks:
More details in our editor guide!
Nice article! I also like env variables, but when i restart the containers and the variables are not present :-( Can you recommend some best practice for this use case? I was thinking about creating a file while deploying with the variables and their values, but have some security concerns :-)
Thank you for your positive feedback on the article! and certainly you may :
Consider Docker Compose for managing environment variables.
For sensitive data, explore secret management tools or orchestration platforms.
Please don't use Node 14, is out of maintenance and you shouldn't use it
You're right, it's important to use a supported Node.js version for security and stability. Consider upgrading to a more recent, maintained version.
Excellent article, tks by sharing.
Thank you :)
Nice, thanks!
How can i open PI token docker?
To create a Docker Hub Personal Access Token (PAT):
1- Log in to Docker Hub.
2- Go to "Account Settings" > "Security."
3- Create a new PAT with desired permissions and expiration.