Multi-stage Docker builds are a technique to optimize Docker images by breaking the build process into multiple stages, significantly reducing image size and improving security by minimizing dependencies. This method streamlines the deployment process by creating images that only include necessary components, thereby saving time and reducing the risk of vulnerabilities. For example, a Node.js application saw a reduction from 48.81 MB to 7.12 MB when utilizing this approach. Multi-stage builds allow for the separation of build and runtime environments within a single Dockerfile, facilitating the management of different environments such as development, staging, and production without the need for multiple Dockerfiles. This technique not only enhances efficiency by speeding up build times but also simplifies debugging and allows the reuse of cached images. Implementing multi-stage builds can lead to more efficient and secure software deployment.