Matty Cooke optimized the Docker image startup process for the ministryofjustice/serve-opg repository by replacing the wait-for-it binary with a custom shell script, thereby streamlining container initialization. He updated the Dockerfile to execute this new script, which reduced image complexity and eliminated an unnecessary binary dependency. By consolidating startup logic within a shell script, Matty improved maintainability and potentially enhanced startup reliability. His work leveraged skills in DevOps, Docker, and shell scripting, and involved editing both Dockerfile and shell script components. Over the course of the month, he focused on feature development, delivering targeted improvements without introducing or addressing bug fixes.