docker / buildx

Learn using Shoulder.dev

Shoulder.dev transforms codebases into tailored learning experiences. Below are organized categories of the codebase to help you start with your initial focus.

Buildx CLI

Understanding the core commands and features of the buildx CLI, including:

buildx build

Building Docker images with extended BuildKit capabilities.

buildx create

Creating isolated builder instances.

buildx ls

Listing available builder instances.

buildx use

Switching between builder instances.

buildx rm

Removing builder instances.

buildx prune

Cleaning up Buildx build artifacts.

buildx inspect

Inspecting a builder instance.

buildx version

Displaying Buildx version information.

buildx install

Setting docker build as an alias to docker buildx build.

buildx uninstall

Removing the alias for docker build.

buildx bake

Building and installing Buildx from source code.

buildx imagetools

Working with image tools (create, inspect).

BuildKit Integration

Delving into the core concepts of BuildKit and how it’s integrated with Buildx: BuildKit’s architecture and its role in container image building. BuildKit’s features, including caching, parallel execution, and platform support. The relationship between Buildx and BuildKit, and how Buildx leverages BuildKit’s capabilities. Understanding BuildKit’s APIs and how Buildx interacts with them.

Buildx Drivers

Exploring the different drivers available for Buildx: docker: The default driver for local build execution. docker-container: Building images within a container. kubernetes: Building images within a Kubernetes cluster. remote: Building images on remote nodes. The purpose and configuration of each driver. The capabilities and limitations of each driver.

Multi-Platform Builds

Mastering the process of building images for multiple architectures: Understanding multi-platform images and manifest lists. Utilizing QEMU emulation for cross-platform building. Building on multiple native nodes with the same builder instance. Cross-compiling with Dockerfile stages. Exploring Dockerfile cross-compilation helpers like tonistiigi/xx.

High-Level Build Constructs (Bake)

Learning about high-level build options with Bake: Understanding Bake’s purpose and how it simplifies build processes. Using Bake for building and installing software from source code. Exploring Bake’s features, including source control integration. Comparing Bake to traditional Dockerfile-based builds.

Testing and Debugging

Understanding the testing and debugging strategies for Buildx: The types of tests used to ensure Buildx’s functionality (unit tests, integration tests, etc.) Debugging techniques for Buildx, including logging, tracing, and using debugging tools. Understanding how to write and run tests for Buildx. Identifying and resolving issues within the codebase.

CI/CD Integration

Understanding how to integrate Buildx into CI/CD workflows: Using Buildx in automated builds with CI tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Travis CI. Integrating Buildx with continuous deployment systems. Configuring Buildx for use within containerized CI environments.

Security

Analyzing the security considerations of Buildx: Understanding the potential security vulnerabilities of Buildx and its components. Security best practices when using Buildx, including access control, image signing, and vulnerability scanning. Implementing security measures to mitigate potential risks.

Dockerfile Best Practices

Learning best practices for writing Dockerfiles for use with Buildx: Understanding the limitations of Dockerfiles and how to optimize them for Buildx. Leveraging Buildx’s features like caching and multi-stage builds effectively. Applying security considerations in Dockerfiles.