Multi-stage Dockerfile Build Process

A multi-stage Dockerfile is a key technique for creating efficient images. It uses separate build and runtime stages, allowing you to compile your application in one stage and copy only the final, necessary files into a clean, small runtime image. This process reduces the image's size and its potential security vulnerabilities. To further optimize, you should order your Dockerfile instructions to maximize layer caching, which speeds up rebuilds, and use small base images like Alpine Linux variants. A .dockerignore file is essential to prevent unnecessary files from being included in the build.