One of the biggest and most frustrating things a developer can hear is, "This is not working on our end." This happens when you have worked on an app or project, only to send it out and receive a response that the users can't access or use. Every developer dreads getting this response. This is like saying you have spent hours, days, weeks, and months building something that doesn't work on other people's devices. The good news, however, is that Docker containers can help you avoid these situations, since it is an easy way to provide a standardized environment for applications.
Docker is a tool that helps you simplify your work process, creating an environment where you can code or build products efficiently. Today, I will show you some of the containers that make developers' work so simple and fun.
4 NGINX Docker containers
Work better with a static file server
Many developers talk about NGINX as a web server, but it is more than that. With this Docker container, you can do more than that; you can reverse a local proxy. Let's say you're working on both the frontend and backend of a project. You can use NGINX as the central gateway for both, making your work more straightforward and less time-consuming.
Running NGINX on Windows is even easier because it's lightweight and doesn't require much time to get started. You can begin in a short time. After installing Docker on your Windows, you can then head over to http://localhost:8080.
When setting up NGINX, always use the correct characters. Using backward slashes instead of the forward ones (/) will not get you the desired result.
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3 PostgreSQL container
Use multiple database versions at the same time
Using PostgreSQL is all fun and great until you're done and want to work on a different project. Uninstalling it will look like removing paintings from a wall. You'll realize that many entries and items have been added during installation, and removing them all takes some time.
Moreover, it's a bit complicated to use multiple versions of PostgreSQL. For instance, you might want to test an app with both PostgreSQL 13 and 15. You can either go through the stress of installing each version. Or you can use a Docker container.
When you run PostgreSQL with Docker, you make your work ten times easier. You can test multiple versions of your database. If you ever decide you don't want to use it anymore, you can easily remove it without leaving entries behind.
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2 Node.js Container
Work on multiple projects easily
Sometimes, developers encounter issues when working on multiple projects simultaneously on Windows. It's like having different kids who understand your language, but they speak their own languages to each other and you. Sometimes, Node.js versions clash. You will see numerous lines indicating that Node has encountered some issues.
One of the best ways to work on multiple projects is to use the Node.js container through Docker on Windows. It solves many of the common problems Windows users have with running various projects. You might experience any form of local conflict during development when you start using the container.
The container also protects your time and your computer. When installing Node packages locally, they are not installed directly on your computer. For instance, when you need webpack or nodemon, they will be installed inside the container, but not on your computer.
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1 Redis container
Using a data platform that's not native to Windows
Redis is a tool you might need as a developer, but it's not a native tool on Windows. So you need a solution that is both effective and seamless for your use. That's why the Redis container is used through Docker for Windows.
What will you get? Firstly, the installation was straightforward. It only takes a couple of minutes to get started. As you use it frequently, you will begin to understand more of its features and shortcuts offhand.
Once you start using Redis, you open a new world of fast development processes, especially when programming more than one language. For instance, you can use Express.js (JavaScript), Flask, Django, and even Laravel. While you work, you can cache instantly, and the response comes faster than if you follow a different process.
You can add a password when you try to get started with the installation. That means you make room to add a password at the start of the installation process. Your initial line of code will have additional details of your password.
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Convenience and why Docker containers save my time
Docker containers are used to save time and avoid the complications of using tools that require additional requirements or different environments on Windows. Developers use various tools for various purposes. So, it doesn't necessarily mean the four aforementioned Docker containers will suit your workflow. However, this should give you ideas if you're not used to Docker containers. You can look at your daily work life and think about the type of container that will help you work smarter and faster.