Docker Storage Explained: Volumes, Bind Mounts, and tmpfs Compared

Docker containers use a writable layer that is permanently deleted when the container is removed, making external storage essential for data persistence. Docker offers three storage options: named volumes, bind mounts, and tmpfs, each suited to different use cases. Named volumes are managed entirely by Docker, stored under its own directory, and are the recommended choice for databases and persistent application state. Bind mounts link a container directly to a host directory, making them ideal for local development and configuration files, but they reduce portability across machines. Tmpfs mounts store data in RAM only, leaving no trace on disk once the container stops, making them suitable for sensitive or temporary data.