Optimization

Optimization turns Docker from "working" into "efficient." This module focuses on measurable improvements across five areas: image size, build speed, runtime resources, storage, and Compose topology.

The Optimization Loop

What You Will Learn

Lesson	What It Covers
Image Size Optimization	Multi-stage builds, minimal bases, .dockerignore
Build Speed Optimization	Layer caching, BuildKit, dependency-first patterns
Runtime Performance	CPU/memory limits, resource monitoring, restart policies
Storage Optimization	Disk usage analysis, safe pruning, log rotation
Network and Compose Optimization	Lean topology, startup order, health checks

Quick Decision Guide

Problem	Where to Start
Image pull takes too long	Image Size Optimization
CI builds are slow	Build Speed Optimization
Containers use too much RAM/CPU	Runtime Performance
Host disk keeps filling up	Storage Optimization
Stack starts slowly or fails randomly	Network and Compose

Prerequisites

• Understand Dockerfiles and multi-stage builds (Module 3)
• Understand Docker Compose (Module 7)
• Understand operations basics (Module 8)