Docker Best Practices for Developers

Containers work best when the image, runtime configuration, and deployment workflow each have a clear responsibility.

Keep images small

Use focused base images and multi-stage builds so build tooling does not become part of the production image.

Make configuration explicit

Pass environment-specific values at runtime rather than baking secrets or deployment settings into an image.

Scan and update regularly

Treat base images and dependencies as part of your normal maintenance cycle.