How to reduce layer count

This is part of the Semicolon&Sons Code Diary - consisting of lessons learned on the job. You're in the containerization category.

Last Updated: 2025-10-31

Reduce number of docker layers by using && in run commands

The version has 3 layers

RUN apt-get update \
  && apt-get install -y \
    unzip \
    neovim \
    ripgrep \
    curl \

RUN curl -sS https://getcomposer.org/installer | \
     php -- --install-dir=/usr/local/bin --filename=composer

RUN rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/

vs. the following, which has one layer only (and is therefore less bulkier)

RUN apt-get update \
  && apt-get install -y \
    unzip \
    neovim \
    ripgrep \
    curl \
  && curl -sS https://getcomposer.org/installer | \
     php -- --install-dir=/usr/local/bin --filename=composer \
  && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/

Semicolon & Sons

Semicolon & Sons

How to reduce layer count

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