Docker-like Layer Caching on VMs

Docker image builds use layer caching to avoid rerunning commands whose filesystem changes have already been saved, while most CI systems rely on ephemeral virtual machines and manual, key-based archive caches that require each step to define restoration and storage logic. The same layer-based approach can be adapted for VM-based CI builds through OverlayFS, Docker’s recommended union filesystem, by creating a filesystem layer for each command, archiving its changes, and restoring a matching layer instead of re-executing the command. Although cache validity must account for factors such as environment variables and non-filesystem side effects, this technique can bring Docker-like caching to VM workflows, which may be preferred by engineers seeking a more familiar and less constrained build environment. RWX states that it is implementing this capability in its CI/CD platform.

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