When should you use image labels instead of tags in Docker?

Using image labels in Docker is particularly beneficial when you want to add detailed metadata to the image, such as vendor information, licensing details, or any other custom data that helps in managing and identifying the image later on. Labels are key-value pairs that provide descriptive information about the image, enabling better organization and maintenance of images, especially in large projects or repositories.

This practice enhances the image's self-documentation, allowing developers and operations teams to understand the purpose and ownership of each image without needing to inspect the image content itself. This is especially important in collaborative environments where multiple teams might be working with a range of images.

On the other hand, tags are typically used to identify specific versions or iterations of an image, which facilitates the making of precise deployment decisions or rollbacks. Tags are not designed to carry extensive metadata; they serve a different organizational purpose. Thus, the choice to use labels over tags is informed by the need for more comprehensive metadata rather than versioning or management of image lifecycles.