Docker

Overview

Docker packages applications into isolated containers that run consistently across environments. A Dockerfile defines the image build steps, Compose orchestrates multi-container services, and production patterns ensure small, secure, performant images.

When to use: Containerizing applications, creating reproducible dev environments, orchestrating multi-service stacks, deploying to container platforms (ECS, Kubernetes, Fly.io, Railway, Coolify).

When NOT to use: Simple static sites with no backend (use CDN deploy), single-binary CLI tools (distribute the binary), or when the target platform has native buildpacks (Heroku, Vercel) and you don't need container control.

Quick Reference