ENTRYPOINT vs CMD

The biggest difference is whether a default is specified for the execution command when the container starts.

ENTRYPOINT

Defines the base command that is always executed

• Used when there is a command that must always be executed first when the container starts

• Even if arguments are passed via the docker run command, the existing command is still executed

CMD

Defines default parameters for the ENTRYPOINT command / can be overwritten at docker run

• A command that is executed when the container starts, but used when it needs to be changeable

• If arguments are passed via the docker run command, the command and arguments specified in CMD are ignored