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Images and Build Workflows

This module covers everything from writing your first Dockerfile to publishing multi-architecture images. By the end, you will understand how Docker builds images layer by layer, how to keep them small and secure, and how to manage them across registries.

How Images Are Built and Used​

flowchart LR
    A["Dockerfile"] --> B["docker build"]
    B --> C["Image Layers"]
    C --> D["Local Image"]
    D --> E["docker push"]
    E --> F["Registry"]
    F --> G["docker pull"]
    G --> H["Container"]

    style A fill:#f0f4ff,stroke:#4a6fa5
    style D fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#2e7d32
    style F fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#ef6c00
    style H fill:#fce4ec,stroke:#c62828

What You Will Learn​

LessonWhat It Covers
Dockerfile FundamentalsWriting Dockerfiles with proper instruction ordering, base image selection, and security
Layer Cache and Build ContextHow Docker caches layers, why instruction order matters for speed, and .dockerignore
Multi-Stage BuildsSeparating build tools from runtime to produce smaller, safer images
Tagging, Versioning, and RegistriesNaming images predictably and pushing them to registries with rollback safety
Buildx and Multi-Architecture BuildsBuilding images for both amd64 and arm64 from a single workflow

Prerequisites​

Before starting this module, you should:

  • Have Docker Engine installed and working (Module 2)
  • Be comfortable running basic terminal commands
  • Have a project with source code you want to containerize (or use the examples provided)