How To Use Docker Tags to Manage Image Versions Effectively
What is a Docker tag?
A Docker tag is a label that points to a specific version of an image within a repository. It is used for identifying and managing different versions or variants of a Docker image. Tags help in maintaining and organizing various versions of an image, allowing users to distinguish between them and select the desired version for deployment.
How does one tag a Docker image during build?
To tag a Docker image during build, use the -t flag followed by the repository name and tag name when running the docker build command6. For example: docker build -t myapp:1.0 .. This command tags the built image with the repository name "myapp" and the tag "1.0". The final '.' in the command specifies the build context directory.
Why should one avoid using the "latest" tag for production?
Using the "latest" tag for production is not recommended because it can lead to inconsistencies and version conflicts. The "latest" tag is mutable and may refer to different versions of an image over time. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to track, reproduce, and roll back deployments. Instead, it is best to use explicit version tags for production deployments to ensure stability and reproducibility.