Why Docker Is Not Just a Trend
Different PHP versions, different extensions, different configurations — all this creates chaos. Docker solves this by guaranteeing a consistent environment everywhere.
Basic Stack: PHP-FPM + Nginx + MySQL
Each component in its own container, connected through a Docker network. This allows updating each component independently.
Multi-Stage Dockerfile
Multi-stage build separates build tools from the runtime image. The final image can be 60-80% smaller.
Docker Compose Overrides
For different environments, use override files: docker-compose.yml for the base, override for development, prod for production.
Opcache Optimization
Proper Opcache configuration can speed up the application by 30-50%. Restart the PHP-FPM container on deploy.
Health Checks
With healthchecks, PHP will not start until MySQL is fully ready. This eliminates race conditions.
Conclusion
Docker for PHP is the de facto standard. Consistent environments, easy scaling, fast onboarding — the advantages are obvious.