#Makefile npm install modules how to
In my last article I showed how to use Parcel for development and production. Without further ado, my approach to development with Docker. Therefore, in a container, that’s all you need as well, meaning the official node image on Docker Hub will do just fine.
You just need to be able to execute node and npm. You don’t need little containers to exec into to make significant changes. You don’t need to package your node_modules into an immutable build. Usually, these generalized Dockerfiles you need for development already exist.įor example, when developing a Node.js application, you need node installed on your machine. This means you can use a more generalized Dockerfile.
#Makefile npm install modules code
You just need to create an environment which your code can run in. You instead install the tools that you need for development. When you set up your computer for development, that’s not what you do. For this purpose, creating a Dockerfile makes sense. They are customized and specifically built for your application, packaged in the way you built it. When you use Docker for production you are using the most specialized Docker containers you can make. This is the typical context for using Docker.ĭocker is also a way to create an isolated environment which is capable of executing certain types of applications.ĭocker allows you to package environments that are capable of running your code.
Let’s talk about what Docker is for a moment.ĭocker is a way to package your code. Hint: If your Dockerfile contains an npm install you’ve gone too far. There are situations where you will want one, but probably not in the manner you think. Now, some of the above articles got this more right than others, but if you’re using a Dockerfile for development, you’ve probably already gone too far. Sure, you could exec into the container and perform some commands, install some libs, but is it really less effort at this point? You lose the flexibility of development by needing to build new containers when you have changes to dependencies change for example. Packaging it in a time where it is meant to be flexible and malleable is why many engineers have come to the conclusion the Docker isn’t for development. Your app runs differently in development. Just because “it runs the same way everywhere” doesn’t mean it should. When you develop on your MacBook you install different tools than you use running in production. You don’t need to package your application for development, and honestly, you really shouldn’t.ĭevelopment and production are not the same environment. You do not need to create your own.Ī Dockerfile is a way to package your application. I’m here to tell that while this is true for production, it’s the wrong approach for development. The first several results on Google all suggest the first thing you need is a Dockerfile, as well.Īfter all, how can you have a Docker environment without creating a Dockerfile? At the foundation of any Dockerized application, you will find a Dockerfile . In many tutorials, the first thing introduced is the Dockerfile. Obviously, correctly, is subjective, but I’d like to compare the typical wisdom, vs. I haven’t seen one yet that does it correctly. I’ve seen a lot of articles lately suggesting how to use Docker for development. NEWABOUT PAGE And Keep Your Hot Code Reloading