What are Docker multi-stage builds and how does caching work?

What are Docker multi-stage builds and how does caching work?

Docker multi-stage builds allow you to use multiple FROM statements in your Dockerfile. This helps in optimizing the image size by separating the build environment from the runtime environment.

Can you explain how caching works in multi-stage builds?

Sure! Docker caches each layer of the image. If a layer hasn't changed, Docker uses the cached version instead of rebuilding it, which speeds up the build process.

What are the benefits of using multi-stage builds?

The main benefits include reduced image size, improved build times, and better separation of build and runtime dependencies.

Are there any best practices for using multi-stage builds?

Yes, some best practices include minimizing the number of layers, using specific tags for base images, and cleaning up unnecessary files in the final stage.