What are the best practices for tagging Docker images?

What are the best practices for tagging Docker images?

When tagging Docker images, it's important to use a clear and consistent naming convention. Common practices include using semantic versioning, including the application name, and specifying the environment (e.g., myapp:1.0.0, myapp:latest, myapp:dev).

Why is semantic versioning important for Docker images?

Semantic versioning helps in understanding the changes in your application. It indicates whether changes are major, minor, or patches, which is crucial for maintaining compatibility.

Should I always use the 'latest' tag?

Using the 'latest' tag can be convenient, but it can lead to ambiguity. It's better to use specific version tags to avoid unexpected changes in production.

How can I automate the tagging process?

You can automate tagging using CI/CD pipelines. Tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI can help you create scripts that tag images based on your versioning strategy.