Docker multi-stage builds offer a solution for creating optimized build pipelines by allowing developers to split their Dockerfiles into multiple stages, reducing the size of production images and eliminating unnecessary development debris. This approach enhances resource efficiency and security by minimizing the attackable surface area of applications. For example, a multi-stage build can separate the TypeScript build process from the final production image creation, ensuring only the necessary files are included. By using different base images for each stage, developers gain flexibility in customizing their build environment, which can lead to significant reductions in image size, such as switching to an Alpine base image for a more compact final product. The process involves creating separate Docker images for each stage and discarding intermediate images, allowing for streamlined and modular build pipelines. Multi-stage builds also provide the ability to name build stages and pull from external images, offering further customization options.