Building efficient Docker images is vital for optimizing the performance and scalability of containerized applications. Start with a minimal base image, leverage multi-stage builds, minimize layers, and remove unnecessary dependencies and files. Utilize .dockerignore, optimize the Docker build cache, compress artifacts, and implement security best practices. By following these guidelines, developers can create lean and optimized Docker images that enhance resource utilization, reduce image size, and improve the overall efficiency of containerized applications. Streamline your containerization process and achieve optimal performance with these practices.