Docker Best Practices: Choosing Between RUN, CMD, and ENTRYPOINT

Docker offers multiple methods like RUN, CMD, and ENTRYPOINT to handle image building and container execution, each serving distinct purposes. RUN is utilized during the image build to execute commands, creating new layers. CMD sets default commands for container startup, while ENTRYPOINT specifies the default executable, making the container behave like an executable application. Understanding when and how to use these commands, along with the choice between shell and exec forms, is critical for optimizing Docker container behavior, signal handling, and overall efficiency.