Everything You Need To Know About Docker Container Images

Container images and containerized applications as a whole are changing the way development and operations synergize. The antiquated virtual machines are simply not relevant anymore with Docker containerized application deployment becoming one of the most popular DevOps tools in use.

And there is certainly no shortage of big data and software development companies using containerized applications. These companies include Spotify, PayPal, ADP, IBM, and more. Devops teams can pack, distribute, and manage container images, as well as simplify and automate a number of other processes.

“The intention of DevOps is to create better-quality software more quickly and with more reliability while inviting greater communication and collaboration between teams,” Samarpit Tuli explained in a DZone article.

Why container images? Why not? Developers can easily package an application with the necessary libraries and dependencies needed to ship. This is automated using a registry, also known as a private Docker registry, which catalogues your entire collection of repositories. Here are a few key statistics on the matter:

• Almost a third of all companies that use container images via Docker will fully adopt it.
• It’s a development tool that utilizes the most innovative tech.
• Programming frameworks like PHP, Java, Node, and Ruby are utilized with container images.

The following is a quick guide to container images, containerized applications, and how it can be leveraged for your software development processes. Let’s dive in!

Coding and deployment using container images is just easier

We all know the complexity of coding and deployment. Complexity is simply the nature of the DevOps and software development game. However, Docker container images makes things a bit easier. You can code and deploy with less issues, since the development environments are compatible with infrastructure requirements and automated. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of a development tool that makes coding and deployment easier?

There is an element of standardization in the development process

One big benefit developers like when it comes to container images is the standardization they provide. Containers standardize the development environment as a whole, making processes and release cycles, for instance, the same across all channels. This is great for your DevOps team, but also good for your company.

Having a consistent software development process with standardization at the forefront gives your company the scalability it needs for business growth. All teams, from development to operations can work in production to find bugs and fix them fast. And the greater Q/A testing efficiency you have, the better.

Docker is a solution that runs on almost everything

Yes, you’ve heard the all-in-one solution pitches before. But with container images in your development process, you really can get more bang for your development buck. For instance, container images via private Docker registry run on every machine. This is a must, since devices change at a rapid pace.

You can eliminate the number of environments you utilize, decrease the portable code bases you need in place, and cut the debugging environments. And the production infrastructure for your processes will be far more reliable when using containers.

Get faster, automated deployment than ever before

Another must know when it comes to using container images in your application development is fast, automated deployment. In fact, you can deploy a containerized application in seconds. And many of the processes are automated. The reason this lightning-fast deployment happens is that data is developed and removed efficiently.

The ROI of employing containerized application development is positive

When running a company, there are plenty of development tools to spend your tech budget on. However, not all tools are created equal. In fact, some can cost you more than you hoped. Containerized application development tools, like Docker, are more ROI positive.

Due to the streamlined processes, easier builds, DevOps team collaboration, and fast, automated deployment, many companies see the ROI value in using container images for software development projects. This could be why nearly 65 percent of companies fully adopt Docker after taking it for a test drive.

Ready to make container images part of your process?

The above highlights the benefits of utilizing containerized application development, but there is certainly more to it. For instance, container images are used in cloud development as well. It’s like taking to future DevOps trends and merging them into one.

If you’re looking for a development tool that your development, operations, and IT teams will find useful, all while growing your company, container images could be one great solution. Have you fully adopted Docker container images? Tell us your story.