What strategy can be used to reduce Docker image size?

Utilizing a tool like Dive to analyze Docker layers is an effective strategy for reducing Docker image size. Dive allows users to inspect the contents of each layer of a Docker image, providing insights into what files are included and how much space they consume. By examining the layers, one can identify unnecessary files, redundant layers, or large dependencies that can be removed or optimized. This promotes a more efficient image structure, helping to eliminate bloat and ensure that only what's essential is included in the final image.

In contrast, using larger base images often results in increased size, while compressing files with zip does not influence the Docker image size as Docker layers are designed to handle file system changes rather than traditional compression. Including more libraries typically adds to the overall image size, which contradicts the goal of reducing it. Therefore, analyzing layers with tools like Dive is a targeted approach that can lead to significant reductions in image size by allowing for data-driven decisions on what to keep and what to remove.