In today’s software development landscape, containerization has become increasingly popular. Docker provides a convenient way to package applications and their dependencies, making it easier to deploy and manage projects across different environments.

When it comes to managing version control for Dockerized C++ projects, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will explore best practices for effectively using version control in combination with Docker for C++ projects.

1. Structure your project repository

When setting up your project repository, it’s crucial to establish a clear structure that separates the core project code from the Docker-related files. This ensures that Docker-specific configuration does not clutter your codebase and allows for easier collaboration with developers who might not be familiar with Docker.

A recommended structure for a Dockerized C++ project could look like this:

my_project/
├── docker/
│   ├── Dockerfile
│   └── docker-compose.yml
├── src/
│   ├── main.cpp
│   └── ...
├── include/
├── tests/
├── CMakeLists.txt
└── ...

The docker/ directory contains all the Docker-specific files, such as the Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml for defining the Docker image and container configuration. The rest of the project files reside outside the docker directory.

2. Include Docker-specific files in version control

While it is common to add Docker-specific files to a project’s .gitignore file, it is advisable to include these files in your version control system. This ensures that when developers pull the repository, they have all the necessary files to build and run the project within a Docker container without any additional setup.

3. Use Docker tags for version control

Docker provides a powerful feature called tags, which allow you to assign version numbers to images. Using tags for version control is particularly useful when working with Dockerized C++ projects as it enables you to manage different versions of your application image easily.

When building and tagging Docker images for your C++ project, consider using your project’s version number or commit hash as the Docker image tag. This helps to establish a clear association between the Docker image and the specific version of your project’s source code.

For example, to build and tag your application image using a version number, you can use the following command:

docker build -t my_project:v1.2.3 .

Alternatively, you can generate a tag using the current commit hash:

docker build -t my_project:$(git rev-parse --short HEAD) .

Conclusion

Managing version control for Dockerized C++ projects requires careful consideration of project structure, including Docker-specific files in version control, and using Docker tags for versioning. By following these best practices, you can seamlessly integrate Docker into your C++ development workflow while maintaining efficient version control.

#devops #docker