Docker Performance Tips

Improve the efficiency and speed of your Docker containers and build processes with these performance tips.

1. Use Multi-Stage Builds

Multi-stage builds help reduce image size by keeping only what is necessary in the final image.

FROM golang:alpine as builder
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN go build -o myapp

FROM alpine
COPY --from=builder /app/myapp /myapp
CMD ["/myapp"]

2. Optimise Dockerfile Layers

Group related commands together to reduce the number of layers and cache misses.

3. Leverage Build Cache

Order Dockerfile instructions from least to most frequently changed to maximise cache efficiency.

4. Use .dockerignore

Prevent unnecessary files from being sent to the Docker daemon during build.

node_modules
.git
*.log

5. Use Lightweight Base Images

Smaller base images like alpine reduce image size and pull time.

6. Limit Logging Overhead

Use appropriate log drivers and avoid excessive logging.

7. Use Volumes for Persistent Data

Volumes are faster and more reliable than bind mounts.

docker run -v mydata:/data ...

8. Avoid Large Layers

Install packages and remove caches in a single RUN instruction.

RUN apk add --no-cache curl && rm -rf /var/cache/*

9. Tune Resource Limits

Appropriately configure --memory, --cpus, and --ulimit to avoid resource contention.

10. Use Performance Monitoring

Use tools like cAdvisor, Prometheus, and Grafana to monitor container resource usage.