Answer
Docker sends entire build context to the daemon. Without a .dockerignore, large directories dramatically slow down builds.
Quick Answer
docker build sends your entire project folder (the build context) to the Docker daemon before processing the Dockerfile. If your folder is huge (large node_modules, build artifacts, test datasets), that transfer alone takes seconds or minutes. A .dockerignore file filters out what doesn't need to be sent.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ