Dive

Tool for exploring Docker layers.

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Console’s review

· Reviewed by David Mytton

What we like

Ever got stuck with constructing a mental representation of what’s happening with COPY in your Dockerfile? Terminal interface allows exploration of each image layer. Diff changes by layer. Integrate into CI to provide efficiency stats for image builds. Configurable UI with keybindings. Single binary.

Tradeoffs

Can’t distinguish between different architectures when examining a multi-arch image. Would be useful to be able to hide base image layers.

Is Dive a fit?

Based on Console’s review published on 2023-10-19. Summary updated .

Who it’s for

Developers struggling with understanding Dockerfile COPY instructions

Why consider it

It allows exploration of each image layer through a terminal interface

Keep in mind

It can't distinguish between different architectures in multi-arch images

Console is a free weekly newsletter with short reviews of developer tools, covering strengths and tradeoffs. This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2023-10-19. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date. Read our selection criteria and learn about Console.

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