Docker: Up & Running, 2nd Edition

Chapter 12. Container Platform Design

When implementing any technology in production, you’ll often gain the most mileage by designing a resilient platform that can withstand the unexpected issues that will inevitably occur. Docker can be a powerful tool but requires attention to detail to get the whole platform right around it. As a technology that is going through very rapid growth, it is bound to produce frustrating bugs that crop up between the various components that make up your container platform.

If, instead of simply deploying Docker into your existing environment, you take the time to build a well-designed container platform on top of Docker, you can enjoy the many benefits of a Docker-based workflow while simultaneously protecting yourself from some of the sharper edges that can exist in such high-velocity projects.

Like all other technology, Docker doesn’t magically solve all your problems. To reach its true potential, organizations must make very conscious decisions about why and how to use it. For small projects, it is possible to use Docker in a simple manner; however, if you plan to support a large project that can scale with demand, it’s crucial that you design your applications and the platform very deliberately. This ensures that you can maximize the return on your investment in the technology. Taking the time to intentionally design your platform will also make it much easier to modify your production workflow over time. A well-designed Docker platform will ...