Minimal Base Images

For many production applications, especially those compiled into static binaries (like Go, Rust, or C++), you don’t need a full Linux distribution (like Ubuntu or even Alpine) inside your container.

1. The scratch Image

• What it is: A completely empty, zero-byte image. It is the most minimal base possible in Docker.
• Use Case: Perfect for statically linked binaries. Your container will contain only your executable.
• Pros: Smallest possible size, zero attack surface (no shell, no ls, no libc).
• Cons: Extremely hard to debug (you can’t exec into it). You must handle all dependencies (like CA certificates) yourself.

2. Distroless Images (by Google)

• What it is: “Distroless” images contain only your application and its runtime dependencies. They do not contain package managers, shells, or any other programs you would expect to find in a standard Linux distribution.
• Use Case: Ideal for runtimes like Node.js, Python, or Java where you need some shared libraries but don’t want the security risk of a full shell.
• Pros: Much more secure than standard bases, easier than scratch because they include common requirements like glibc and CA certs.
• Cons: Still difficult to debug; requires a multi-stage build.

Comparison