Docker Best Practices: Building Production Containers

Docker Best Practices

Build efficient, secure container images.

Image Optimization

Multi-stage Builds

• Smaller final images
• Build dependencies separate
• Production-only artifacts

Layer Caching

• Order commands wisely
• Minimize cache invalidation
• Use .dockerignore

Security

Base Images

• Use official images
• Pin versions
• Scan for vulnerabilities

Runtime

• Non-root users
• Read-only filesystem
• Minimal permissions

Best Practices

1. One process per container
2. Use health checks
3. Log to stdout/stderr
4. Handle signals properly
5. Use environment variables

Conclusion

Well-built containers improve security and operational efficiency.