---
title: "Request Docker Best Practices for Development"
description: "Get optimized Dockerfiles and container configurations"
category: "tips-tricks"
tags: ["docker", "containerization", "devops", "deployment", "optimization"]
tech_stack: ["docker", "kubernetes"]
---

To make your Dockerfiles and container setups better, focus on specific practices that boost both performance and security. This approach helps you create lightweight images and makes your development process smoother.

1. **Use multi-stage builds** to cut down on image size:
   - Suggestion: `Separate build dependencies from runtime dependencies with multi-stage builds.`

2. **Select minimal base images** for quicker builds:
   - Suggestion: `Go for lightweight base images, such as Alpine or Distroless.`

3. **Organize layer caching** to speed up builds:
   - Suggestion: `Arrange Dockerfile commands to make the most of cache, placing commands that change less frequently at the top.`

4. **Add security scanning** to catch vulnerabilities:
   - Suggestion: `Incorporate tools like Trivy or Clair into your CI/CD pipeline to check images for vulnerabilities.`

5. **Separate development and production configurations**:
   - Suggestion: `Create different Dockerfiles or use build arguments to tailor settings for development and production.`

When you follow these practices, you'll end up with optimized Dockerfiles that improve build times, shrink image sizes, and boost security.

## WHY THIS WORKS
These strategies ensure that your Docker images remain lightweight, secure, and effective. Implement them when starting new projects or refining existing ones to enhance your development workflow.

## QUICK EXAMPLES
- **Before**: 
  ```dockerfile
  FROM ubuntu:latest
  RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y build-essential
  ```
  **After**:
  ```dockerfile
  FROM golang:alpine AS builder
  WORKDIR /app
  COPY . .
  RUN go build -o myapp
  ```

- **Before**:
  ```dockerfile
  FROM node:14
  RUN npm install
  ```
  **After**:
  ```dockerfile
  FROM node:14-alpine
  WORKDIR /app
  COPY package*.json ./
  RUN npm install --production
  ```

## COMMON MISTAKES
- **Choosing large base images**: Always opt for minimal base images like Alpine.
- **Ignoring layer caching**: Structure your Dockerfile to keep commands that change often at the bottom.
- **Skipping security scans**: Always include a security scanning tool in your CI/CD pipeline.
- **Failing to separate dev and prod configurations**: Use distinct Dockerfiles or build arguments to manage settings effectively.