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Docker Architecture: The components and processes - Part 2

In part 2 of our deep-dive into Docker, we focus on securing your Docker environments, and setting up basic observability for when things go wrong. Use this guide to help you setup TLS for secure communication between the Docker client and server. Learn how to surface important metrics about your Docker usage via Prometheus and Grafana!

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Building Multi-Platform Docker Images for ARM64 in GitHub Actions

If you're building cross-platform Docker builds, it is important you use the right hardware to do this. Read more to ensure you have an optimal build environment for your Docker builds.

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Docker Architecture: The components and processes - Part 1

Part 1 of our Docker deep dive explores the core architecture, including key components like the Docker Client, Daemon, and Registry. Uncover the processes behind image management, networking, and persistent storage. This guide lays the foundation for understanding and optimizing your Docker deployments.

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Understanding Multi-Stage Docker Builds

Optimize your Docker images with multi-stage builds, a powerful feature that separates build and runtime environments for smaller, more secure, and faster-to-build images. Learn how to leverage multi-stage builds effectively and understand the anatomy of a multi-stage Dockerfile.

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A Guide to Disk Space Management with Docker: How to Clear Your Cache

Have you been hit with the dreaded `no space left on device`? Docker is a great tool but is often the culprit for filling up your disk. Read more for how to cleanup your dangling resources and reclaim valuable disk space so you can get back to docker building!

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How to optimize your Dockerfile for faster Docker builds

Wondering what a good Dockerfile looks like? This blog lays out some of the best practices to follow when writing one. These pointers will ensure you're optimizing your Docker build times and keeping your Docker images lean.

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Faster Docker builds using a remote BuildKit instance

Tired of slow Docker builds? This simple yet effective approach speeds up Docker builds by persisting the layer cache in the EBS volume of your EC2 instance. Perfect for small to medium teams looking to boost their productivity.

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The exodus from GitHub Actions to Buildkite

GitHub Actions might cut it for small teams, but as companies scale, BuildKite often emerges as the better choice due to lower CI costs, reliability, enhanced observability, and automated retries.

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How to run Jest tests faster in GitHub Actions

"Discover how to cut Jest test times drastically with sharding and fail-fast flags. Learn strategies to optimize CI time without breaking the bank using Blacksmith’s advanced tools."

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Push, Cache, Repeat: Amazon ECR as a remote Docker cache for GitHub Actions

Explore how using remote cache with AWS ECR can drastically speed up your Docker builds in GitHub Actions, optimizing performance and reducing costs. Learn the setup and see real performance improvements!

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Cache is King: A guide for Docker layer caching in GitHub Actions

A majority of the GitHub Action workflows we see at Blacksmith use Docker. Whether it is to setup containers to run tests against, or build custom Docker images and push them to a registry, Docker is everywhere.

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Protect prod, cut costs: concurrency in GitHub Actions

At Blacksmith we see tens of GitHub Action workflow files a day: some good, some bad. This uniquely positions us to help customers optimize and use best practices in their CI pipeline.

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