Container Revolution
Containers have transformed how we deploy applications. Understanding Docker and Kubernetes is essential for modern developers.
Docker Basics
Docker packages applications with all dependencies into portable containers. Build once, run anywhere - from laptop to production.
Writing Dockerfiles
Use multi-stage builds to keep images small. Alpine Linux base images reduce size by 90%. Layer caching speeds up builds dramatically.
FROM node:16-alpine AS builder
WORKDIR /app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm install
COPY . .
RUN npm run build
FROM node:16-alpine
WORKDIR /app
COPY --from=builder /app/dist ./dist
CMD ["node", "dist/index.js"]
Introduction to Kubernetes
Kubernetes orchestrates containers at scale. It handles deployment, scaling, and self-healing automatically.
Key Concepts
- Pods: Smallest deployable units
- Services: Network endpoints
- Deployments: Declarative updates
- Ingress: External access
Getting Started
Use Minikube for local development, learn kubectl commands, and deploy your first application. Start simple and build complexity gradually.
Conclusion
Containers and Kubernetes are the foundation of modern cloud-native applications. Master these tools to advance your career.