Before multi-stage builds, Docker images were bloated with unnecessary tools and dependencies, leading to large image sizes.
Multi-stage builds in Docker allow for selective copying of artifacts from one stage to another, resulting in leaner images.
Examples include transforming a bloated React app Dockerfile into a lean, multi-stage masterpiece, reducing image size significantly.
Go applications and Python Flask applications also benefit from multi-stage builds, resulting in smaller images.
Advanced patterns like the Testing Stage Pattern and Development vs Production Pattern optimize the use of multi-stage builds for different purposes.
Best practices for multi-stage builds include ordering layers efficiently, using specific base images, and cleaning up in the same layer.
Common pitfalls to avoid in multi-stage builds include copying unnecessary files between stages, not using build arguments effectively, and ignoring security considerations.
Multi-stage builds offer faster deployments, lower costs, better security, and cleaner architecture, enhancing the Docker experience and optimizing runtime environments.
Switching to multi-stage builds can significantly improve Docker image efficiency and benefit deployment pipelines in terms of speed and cost.
Remember, less is more in the world of containers, and multi-stage builds help achieve a streamlined production environment.