Description: The build context is the set of files and directories that are available to the Docker daemon during the image building process. This context is defined when executing the ‘docker build’ command and refers to the location in the file system where Docker can access the necessary resources to create the image. It includes the Dockerfile, which contains the instructions for building the image, as well as any additional files needed, such as libraries, configurations, and other resources. Proper organization of the build context is crucial, as any file not included in this context cannot be used during the build process. Additionally, the size of the build context can affect performance, as Docker sends all the contents of the directory to the daemon, which can result in longer build times if unnecessary files are included. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the build context as lightweight and specific as possible, using .dockerignore files to exclude elements that are not relevant. In summary, the build context is a fundamental aspect of using containerization technologies, as it determines what resources are available for image creation, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the application development process.
