Docker, A Complicated Way for Software Development

Software Development NOT Software Deployment!

Docker, one of implementation of containers debutted at PyCon in 2023 (source: WikiPedia). I use Docker in 2018. Until this day, I just know several commands in Docker like docker compose, docker build, docker exec, and docker inspect. I think those commands enough for me to use Docker. Back to my statement.

Why I see Docker is complicated way for software development?

At that time, I develop a Larva Interactions project, a project that use Laravel framework. I use Laravel Herd as a main tool to develop this project. I use DBngin and TablePlus as tools for interacting with database like MySQL, Postgresql, and Redis. Actually, it’s more than enough. But, I’m curious can I bring Docker as a tool for develop this project? How comfortable is it compare with Laravel Herd, DBngin, and TablePlus? The answers: Yes, I can use Docker to develop this project and no for the comfortable zone. Laravel has Laravel Sail but I create my custom Dockerfile and Docker Compose using serversideup/docker-php.

Why it makes me not comfort?

The answer is in .env file and php artisan command. Imagine when the first time you clone the Laravel project. Then, you build Docker image (install deps included), create a container. You open localhost inside browser, it doesn’t work! Why? Because the project has .dockerignore file which ignore .env file. So, I need to go to inside the container, create a .env file, then run php artisan key:generate inside the container. Which is NO for me! Luckily, I already have the tools I need for develop Laravel project like Laravel Herd, DBngin, and Table Plus. These tool are more than enough for me! Let Docker do the job as software deployment tool. Anyway, I watch the Aaron Francis video: No more Docker for PHP. This video shares the same opinion like I mention above. You must watch it!