Multi-stage Dockerfile for Next.js

Create an optimized production Dockerfile for a Next.js application.

Stages

1. Base Stage

• Use Node.js Alpine image (minimal size)
• Set working directory

2. Dependencies Stage

• Install all dependencies (dev + prod)
• Leverage layer caching

3. Builder Stage

• Copy source code
• Build Next.js application
• Generate optimized production build

4. Runner Stage (Final)

• Production-only dependencies
• Copy built files from builder
• Minimal runtime environment

Security Best Practices

Run as Non-Root User

• Create and use non-privileged user
• Minimize attack surface

Minimal Image

• Alpine Linux base
• Only production dependencies
• Remove unnecessary files

Optimizations

Layer Caching

• Optimal instruction ordering
• Cache dependencies separately from source

.dockerignore File

• Exclude node_modules, .git, etc.
• Reduce build context size

Health Check

• Add HEALTHCHECK instruction
• Monitor container health

Environment Variables

• Support runtime configuration
• Use ENV and ARG appropriately

Local Development

docker-compose.yml

• Include Next.js service
• Database service (PostgreSQL/MySQL)
• Volume mounts for hot reload
• Environment configuration

Target

• Final image size: Under 150MB
• Include comments explaining each optimization
• Production-ready and secure