Docker Daemon
The Docker daemon (dockerd
) listens for Docker API requests and manages Docker objects such as images, containers, networks, and volumes.
Docker Client
The Docker CLI client (docker
) is the primary way users interact with Docker, sending commands to dockerd
.
Docker Registries
A registry stores Docker images. Docker Hub is a public registry that anyone can use, and Docker is configured to look for images on Docker Hub by default.
Docker Images and Containers
An image is a lightweight, standalone, executable package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software, including the code, runtime, libraries, environment variables, and config files. A container is an instance of an image.
To create a Docker image, you typically start with a Dockerfile
, specifying the base image and the steps required to create your image.
Dockerfile Example :
FROM python:3.8-slim
WORKDIR /app
COPY . /app
RUN pip install -r requirements.txt
CMD ["python", "app.py"]
To build this image :
docker build -t my-python-app .
Docker Compose allows you to define and run multi-container Docker applications. With a docker-compose.yml
file, you can configure your application’s services, networks, and volumes.
docker-compose.yml
Example :
version: '3'
services:
web:
build: .
ports:
- "5000:5000"
redis:
image: "redis:alpine"
To start your application, run :
docker-compose up
To keeping your images lightweight and efficient is crucial for performance and speed.
- Use
.dockerignore
files to exclude unnecessary files from your Docker build context, making builds faster and less prone to errors. - Prefer multi-stage builds to minimize the size of your final image.
Multi-Stage Build Example :
# Build stage
FROM golang:1.14 AS builder
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN go build -o main .
# Final stage
FROM alpine:latest
COPY --from=builder /app/main .
CMD ["./main"]
Docker Networking and Volumes
Docker Networking Overview : Docker’s default network mode is bridge
. To link containers or enable communication between them, use custom networks that provide a system for connecting containers to each other and to external networks. This functionality ensures that containers can exchange data, access services, and be accessible from the internet or other networks.
- Network Driver Types: Docker supports multiple types of network drivers, like
bridge
,overlay
,host
, andnone
, each serving different use cases. For instance,bridge
networks are used for communication between containers on the same host, whileoverlay
networks connect containers across multiple hosts. - Bridge Network : The default networking mode for containers. When you run a container without specifying a network, Docker attaches it to a bridge network. Containers on the same bridge network can communicate with each other using IP addresses.
- Overlay Network : For applications running on a Docker Swarm or needing cross-host communication, overlay networks enable containers on different Docker hosts to communicate as if they were on the same host.
- Host Network : Containers using the host network mode share the network namespace with the Docker host. This means a container can use the host’s IP address and port space, allowing for efficient communication but at the cost of isolation.
- Container Network Model (CNM) : Docker uses the CNM to manage networking for containers. It includes concepts like networks, endpoints, and sandboxes (network namespaces) to provide a flexible and powerful networking stack.

Algorithm:
1. Start Docker daemon
2. Create network:
- `docker network create --driver bridge my_bridge_network`
3. Run containers specifying network:
- `docker run --network=my_bridge_network --name container1 my_image`
- `docker run --network=my_bridge_network --name container2 my_image`
4. Containers can now communicate using:
- Container names as hostnames within the same network
5. To connect to external networks:
- Use port mapping: `docker run -p host_port:container_port my_image`
6. For overlay networks across multiple hosts:
- Initialize Swarm mode: `docker swarm init`
- Create overlay network: `docker network create --driver overlay my_overlay_network`
- Run services specifying the overlay network
- Volumes: For persistent or shared data between containers, use Docker volumes. Volumes are managed by Docker and are isolated from the host system.

docker volume create my-volume
docker run -d --name devtest -v my-volume:/app nginx:latest
Docker Images and Containers :
Understanding the lifecycle of Docker images and containers is crucial. Learn how to build lightweight and secure images using Dockerfiles and manage containers effectively.
docker volume create my-volume
docker run -d --name devtest -v my-volume:/app nginx:latest
- Container orchestration tools like Kubernetes and Docker Swarm help manage, scale, and deploy containers efficiently.
- Kubernetes Documentation
- Docker Swarm Tutorial
Optimization Techniques :
Optimize your Docker images for faster build times and smaller sizes while ensuring security.
Best Practices for Writing Dockerfiles
Docker Security Best Practices (gist) below:
Conclusion
Incorporating these strategies into your workflow not only boosts efficiency but also enhances the scalability, portability, and security of your applications.
Happy Dockering ! 🚀
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