docs: update Alpine size and musl description

[MikeMcC399]

• supersedes and consolidates docs: update Alpine size descriptions #2496 and docs: update Alpine musl descriptions #2497

• closes Review description of image sizes in README #2432

Description

Convert the size-related information in the README node:alpine section to fact-based, verifiable statements. Convert the musl description to a shorter form.

Remove opinionated recommendation statements.

Motivation and Context

The README node:alpine section has a high emphasis on image size as the basis for selection. It quotes the size of the original base image without comparing the size of the images after Node.js has been added.

It unconditionally recommends node:alpine on the basis of size. This is without regard for the currently higher Tier 1 / 2 status of Debian images. This may lead users to chose Alpine images where node:slim Docker images may be a better fit.

The section also refers to the use of musl instead of glibc and suggests that it is a safe choice.

This is in contrast to:

• known compatibility issues for applications written and compiled for glibc (Debian, and related distros such as Ubuntu & Fedora) that do not run under musl
• Experimental support type category for musl on x64 only (see Node.js BUILDING > Platform list), compared to wide support by Node.js for glibc on multiple architectures as Tier 1 / 2 support type

The original text was posted 10 years ago and includes a level of detail that is not necessary for selection or use of node:alpine Docker images.

Testing Details

N/A

Example Output (if appropriate)

N/A

Types of changes

• Documentation
• Version change (Update, remove or add more Node.js versions)
• Variant change (Update, remove or add more variants, or versions of variants)
• Bug fix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)
• New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)
• Breaking change (fix or feature that would cause existing functionality to change)
• Other (none of the above)

Checklist

• My code follows the code style of this project.
• My change requires a change to the documentation.
• I have updated the documentation accordingly.
• I have read the CONTRIBUTING.md document.
• All new and existing tests passed.

[MikeMcC399]

Preview

https://github.com/MikeMcC399/docker-node/blob/alpine-description/README.md#nodealpine