Streamlining Docker Image Builds with Jib

In today’s fast-paced world of software development, Docker has become a key practice for packaging and deploying applications efficiently. But creating docker images, especially for Java applications, can be a challenging task. That’s where the Jib plugin comes to the rescue as an alternative to traditional docker files.

What is Jib?

Jib is a container image build tool created by Google, with a specific focus on simplifying Docker image creation for Java applications. It offers a straightforward, fast, and reliable solution for generating Docker images, and it does so without having to write dockerfiles or even have docker installed. Google publishes Jib as both a Maven and a Gradle plugin. This is ideal because it means that Jib will catch any change we make to our application each time we build.

CI/CD integration with Jib:

One of the great features of Jib is its compatibility with CI/CD pipelines. Jib doesn’t require Docker to be installed on the CI/CD server. Instead, it builds container images directly from your project’s build files and then pushes them to your container registry. This eliminates potential installation and versioning issues associated with Docker in CI/CD pipelines, resulting in smoother, more reliable image builds.

How to use Jib in maven projects:

1- Add the plugin to the pom.xml file.

<project>

...

<build>

<plugins>

...

<plugin>

<groupId>com.google.cloud.tools</groupId>

<artifactId>jib-maven-plugin</artifactId>

<version>2.5.0</version>

<configuration>

<to>

<image>${image.path}</image>

</to>

</configuration>

</plugin>

...

</plugins>

</build>

...

</project>

2- Locally set authentication with Docker repository we want to deploy to. For example, the DockerHub credentials will be provided in .m2/settings.xml:

<servers>

<server>

<id>registry.hub.docker.com</id>

<username><DockerHub Username></username>

<password><DockerHub Password></password>

</server>

</servers>

3- Containerize the application using the following command:

mvn compile jib:build

Conclusion:

In a world driven by the need for faster, more efficient development and deployment, Jib emerges as a powerful tool. It simplifies Docker image creation for Java applications, bypassing the need for Dockerfiles and installations. This streamlined approach extends to CI/CD pipelines, eliminating versioning headaches. With Jib, you can compile and build with ease, knowing that your journey to Docker success is both smoother and more reliable. Embrace Jib and step confidently into a future where your Docker image creation process is optimized for success.