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10 Best Practices For Optimizing Docker Images 1728786073

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28 views12 pages

10 Best Practices For Optimizing Docker Images 1728786073

Uploaded by

arunkumar.pasham
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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10 Best Practices for Optimizing

Docker Images

Learn how to build lightweight, secure, and


efficient Docker images.

Read more about it


1- Use Official Base Images

Start with official, well-maintained images (e.g.,


from Docker Hub) to ensure security, stability,
and support.
2- Choose Minimal Base
Images
Use smaller base images like alpine or slim to
reduce image size and the attack surface,
leading to faster builds and improved security.

150 MB
30 MB
3- Reduce the Number of
Layers
Combine related commands in a single RUN
statement to minimize layers and create a more
efficient image.

Dockerfile

RUN apt-get update && \


apt-get install -y python3 python3-pip && \
apt-get clean
4- Leverage Multi-Stage Builds

Use multi-stage builds to optimize image size by


copying only essential files to the final
production image.

Dockerfile

FROM golang:1.17 AS builder


# Build in stage 1
COPY . .
RUN go build -o app

FROM alpine
# Copy only the executable
COPY --from=builder /app /usr/local/bin/app
CMD ["app"]
5- Use .dockerignore File
Exclude unnecessary files (e.g., .git,
node_modules, temporary files) to reduce the
image size and improve build times.

.dockerignore

.git
node_modules
temp/
Dockerfile
6- Set Explicit Image Tags
Avoid using latest tags. Always specify an image
version (e.g., node:14.17-alpine) to ensure
consistency and avoid breaking changes.
7- Minimize the Number of
Packages
Install only the essential packages needed for
your application to reduce image size and
potential vulnerabilities.

Dockerfile

RUN apt-get install -y curl


8- Use Non-Root User

Run your container as a non-root user for


security reasons, preventing potential privilege
escalations.

Dockerfile

RUN useradd -ms /bin/bash appuser


USER appuser
9- Keep Image Layers Clean

Remove build-time dependencies, cache, and


temporary files after installation to keep your
image clean and efficient.

Dockerfile

RUN apt-get install -y build-essential && \


rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
10- Optimize Caching with
Layer Order
Organize your Dockerfile so that layers that
change less frequently (e.g., installing
dependencies) are placed earlier to maximize
caching and speed up rebuilds.

Dockerfile

# Install dependencies early for caching


COPY requirements.txt .
RUN pip install -r requirements.txt

# Add application code later


COPY . .
Recap: Key Docker Image
Optimization Tips

Dockerfile

1. Use Official Base Images.


2. Choose Minimal Base Images.
3. Reduce the number of layers.
4. Leverage multi-stage builds.
5. Use .dockerignore to exclude unnecessary files.
6. Set explicit image tags.
7. Minimize the Number of Packages.
8. Use a non-root user.
9. Keep Image Layers Clean.
10. Optimize Caching with Layer Order.

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