# Dockerfile best practices

Published articles for Dockerfile best practices.

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## Squashing Docker images with Buildx

DevFeed: [Squashing Docker images with Buildx](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/squashing-docker-images-with-buildx-27736.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://gagor.pro/2025/12/squashing-docker-images-with-buildx/>)

Author: Tom

Published: 2025-12-24T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Tomasz Gągor](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tomasz-gagor.md>)

Topics: [Docker](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker.md>), [docker images](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker-images.md>), [Dockerfile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/dockerfile.md>), [Caching](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/caching.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [build](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build.md>), [build-system](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-system.md>), [caching](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/caching.md>), [devops](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/devops.md>), [docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker.md>), [docker-buildx](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-buildx.md>), [docker-image-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-optimization.md>), [docker-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-images.md>), [docker-layer-management](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-layer-management.md>), [dockerfile-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfile-best-practices.md>), [linux](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/linux.md>), [squash-docker-image](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/squash-docker-image.md>)

### AI overview

This tutorial explains how to create smaller Docker images with Buildx by rebuilding the final filesystem state into a new image, removing intermediate layers. It also discusses the trade-off: this approach can prevent reuse of base-image layer caching, while selectively copying files follows a builder-pattern alternative.

### Source excerpt

Learn how to squash Docker images using Buildx to create smaller, more efficient images by consolidating layers.

## Best practices for writing Dockerfiles - Follow "Filesystem Hierarchy Standard"

DevFeed: [Best practices for writing Dockerfiles - Follow "Filesystem Hierarchy Standard"](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/best-practices-for-writing-dockerfiles-follow-filesystem-hierarchy-standard-27701.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://gagor.pro/2024/03/best-practices-for-writing-dockerfiles-follow-filesystem-hierarchy-standard/>)

Author: Tom

Published: 2024-03-11T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Tomasz Gągor](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tomasz-gagor.md>)

Topics: [Dockerfile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/dockerfile.md>), [Filesystems](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/filesystems.md>), [Docker Image](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker-image.md>), [Containers](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/containers.md>), [maintenance](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/maintenance.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [containers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/containers.md>), [docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker.md>), [docker-container-maintainability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-container-maintainability.md>), [docker-image](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image.md>), [docker-image-organization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-organization.md>), [dockerfile-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfile-best-practices.md>), [dockerfiles](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfiles.md>), [fhs-guidelines](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/fhs-guidelines.md>), [filesystem-hierarchy-standard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/filesystem-hierarchy-standard.md>), [linux](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/linux.md>), [maintainability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/maintainability.md>), [volumes](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/volumes.md>)

### AI overview

This tutorial explains how to organize Docker images according to the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. It covers locations for scripts, binaries, Java artifacts, web content, and temporary or writable files, recommending volumes for files that containers must write.

### Source excerpt

Learn best practices for writing Dockerfiles by following the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) to enhance organization and maintainability of your Docker images.

## Docker Best Practices - Use VOLUME for temporary and mutable files

DevFeed: [Docker Best Practices - Use VOLUME for temporary and mutable files](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/docker-best-practices-use-volume-for-temporary-and-mutable-files-27676.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://gagor.pro/2022/09/docker-best-practices-use-volume-for-temporary-and-mutable-files/>)

Author: Tom

Published: 2022-09-12T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Tomasz Gągor](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tomasz-gagor.md>)

Topics: [Docker](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker.md>), [Dockerfile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/dockerfile.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker.md>), [docker-container-performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-container-performance.md>), [docker-image-maintenance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-maintenance.md>), [docker-image-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-optimization.md>), [docker-volume-usage](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-volume-usage.md>), [dockerfile-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfile-best-practices.md>), [dockerfiles](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfiles.md>), [performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/performance.md>), [temporary-file-locations-docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/temporary-file-locations-docker.md>), [volume](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/volume.md>), [volumes](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/volumes.md>)

### AI overview

The article recommends using Dockerfile VOLUME declarations for temporary and mutable file locations. It explains that volumes are separate from layered image filesystems, can improve performance, and help keep images clean, while noting that unused anonymous volumes require periodic cleanup.

### Source excerpt

Learn best practices for writing Dockerfiles by using VOLUME for all mutable, temporary file locations to enhance performance and maintain cleaner images.

## Docker Best Practices - Use .dockerignore

DevFeed: [Docker Best Practices - Use .dockerignore](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/docker-best-practices-use-dockerignore-27675.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://gagor.pro/2022/09/docker-best-practices-use-.dockerignore/>)

Author: Tom

Published: 2022-09-11T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Tomasz Gągor](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tomasz-gagor.md>)

Topics: [Docker](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker.md>), [build times](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/build-times.md>), [context](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/context.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [build](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build.md>), [build-times](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/build-times.md>), [docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker.md>), [docker-build-context](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-build-context.md>), [docker-build-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-build-optimization.md>), [docker-image-efficiency](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-efficiency.md>), [dockerfile-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfile-best-practices.md>), [dockerfiles](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfiles.md>), [dockerignore-usage](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerignore-usage.md>), [exclude-files-docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/exclude-files-docker.md>)

### AI overview

This tutorial explains that Docker uploads the entire build context to the Docker daemon during an image build. It recommends using a .dockerignore file to exclude unnecessary sources, test results, and other working-directory files, which can help reduce build times.

### Source excerpt

Learn best practices for writing Dockerfiles by using .dockerignore to optimize build times and exclude unnecessary files from the build context.

## Dockerfile writing best practices

DevFeed: [Dockerfile writing best practices](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/dockerfile-writing-best-practices-27677.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://gagor.pro/2022/09/dockerfile-writing-best-practices/>)

Author: Tom

Published: 2022-09-10T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Tomasz Gągor](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/tomasz-gagor.md>)

Topics: [Dockerfile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/dockerfile.md>), [Docker](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker.md>), [docker images](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker-images.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [docker](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker.md>), [docker-container-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-container-security.md>), [docker-image-maintenance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-maintenance.md>), [docker-image-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-image-optimization.md>), [docker-multi-stage-builds](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-multi-stage-builds.md>), [docker-volume-usage](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/docker-volume-usage.md>), [dockerfile-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfile-best-practices.md>), [dockerfiles](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dockerfiles.md>), [how-to](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/how-to.md>)

### AI overview

The article introduces a planned series on Dockerfile writing best practices, based on the author's experience preparing containers for company applications. Planned topics include .dockerignore, filesystem standards, package cleanup, volumes, non-root execution, multi-stage builds, image labels, security scanning, and build cache.

### Source excerpt

Learn best practices for writing Dockerfiles to create efficient, secure, and maintainable Docker images, based on real-world experience and insights.