docker-docs/content/manuals/dhi/migration/examples/node.md

title, description, weight, keywords

title	description	weight	keywords
Node.js	Migrate a Node.js application to Docker Hardened Images	30	nodejs, node, migration, dhi

This example shows how to migrate a Node.js application to Docker Hardened Images.

The following examples show Dockerfiles before and after migration to Docker Hardened Images. Each example includes five variations:

• Before (Ubuntu): A sample Dockerfile using Ubuntu-based images, before migrating to DHI
• Before (Wolfi): A sample Dockerfile using Wolfi distribution images, before migrating to DHI
• Before (DOI): A sample Dockerfile using Docker Official Images, before migrating to DHI
• After (multi-stage): A sample Dockerfile after migrating to DHI with multi-stage builds (recommended for minimal, secure images)
• After (single-stage): A sample Dockerfile after migrating to DHI with single-stage builds (simpler but results in a larger image with a broader attack surface)

Note

Multi-stage builds are recommended for most use cases. Single-stage builds are supported for simplicity, but come with tradeoffs in size and security.

You must authenticate to dhi.io before you can pull Docker Hardened Images. Use your Docker ID credentials (the same username and password you use for Docker Hub). If you don't have a Docker account, create one for free.

Run docker login dhi.io to authenticate.

{{< tabs >}} {{< tab name="Before (Ubuntu)" >}}

#syntax=docker/dockerfile:1

FROM ubuntu/node:18-24.04_edge
WORKDIR /usr/src/app

COPY package*.json ./

RUN npm install

COPY . .

CMD ["node", "index.js"]

{{< /tab >}} {{< tab name="Before (Wolfi)" >}}

#syntax=docker/dockerfile:1

FROM cgr.dev/chainguard/node:latest-dev
WORKDIR /usr/src/app

COPY package*.json ./

# Install any additional packages if needed using apk
# RUN apk add --no-cache python3 make g++

RUN npm install

COPY . .

CMD ["node", "index.js"]

{{< /tab >}} {{< tab name="Before (DOI)" >}}

#syntax=docker/dockerfile:1

FROM node:latest
WORKDIR /usr/src/app

COPY package*.json ./

# Install any additional packages if needed using apt
# RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y python3 make g++ && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

RUN npm install

COPY . .

CMD ["node", "index.js"]

{{< /tab >}} {{< tab name="After (multi-stage)" >}}

#syntax=docker/dockerfile:1

# === Build stage: Install dependencies and build application ===
FROM dhi.io/node:23-alpine3.21-dev AS builder
WORKDIR /usr/src/app

COPY package*.json ./

# Install any additional packages if needed using apk
# RUN apk add --no-cache python3 make g++

RUN npm install

COPY . .

# === Final stage: Create minimal runtime image ===
FROM dhi.io/node:23-alpine3.21
ENV PATH=/app/node_modules/.bin:$PATH

COPY --from=builder --chown=node:node /usr/src/app /app

WORKDIR /app

CMD ["index.js"]

{{< /tab >}} {{< tab name="After (single-stage)" >}}

#syntax=docker/dockerfile:1

FROM dhi.io/node:23-alpine3.21-dev
WORKDIR /usr/src/app

COPY package*.json ./

# Install any additional packages if needed using apk
# RUN apk add --no-cache python3 make g++

RUN npm install

COPY . .

CMD ["node", "index.js"]

{{< /tab >}} {{< /tabs >}}