Mastering Docker: From Basics to Advanced Deployment

3 days

Welcome to “Mastering Docker: From Basics to Advanced Deployment”! This comprehensive course is designed to equip both system administrators and developers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use Docker in modern software development and deployment environments.

Docker has revolutionised the way we build, ship, and run applications. By providing a standardised unit of software that packages up code and all its dependencies, Docker ensures that an application runs quickly and reliably from one computing environment to another. Whether you’re a system administrator tasked with managing Docker hosts or a developer looking to streamline your workflow, this course will provide you with the tools and understanding to leverage Docker’s full potential.

Throughout this course, you’ll learn everything from the fundamental concepts of containerisation to advanced topics like custom image creation, complex networking setups, and automated CI/CD pipelines. We’ll cover best practices for securing your Docker installations and containers, ensuring that your deployments are not only efficient but also safe and compliant with industry standards.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently create and manage Docker containers, design efficient Docker networks, handle data persistence with volumes, and orchestrate multi-container applications using Docker Compose. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in integrating Docker with continuous integration systems, automating the testing and deployment of containerised applications.

So whether you’re looking to modernise your infrastructure, improve your development workflow, or simply stay ahead in the fast-paced world of DevOps, this course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to master Docker and take your containerisation game to the next level. Let’s dive in and start your journey to becoming a Docker expert!

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the core concepts of containerisation and Docker’s architecture
Install, configure, and manage Docker on various operating systems
Create, run, and manage Docker containers efficiently
Build custom Docker images using Dockerfile and best practices
Implement advanced Docker networking configurations for secure and efficient communication
Manage persistent data using Docker volumes
Orchestrate multi-container applications with Docker Compose
Implement best practices for securing Docker installations and containers
Integrate Docker into CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment
Troubleshoot common Docker issues and optimise container performance

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Docker and Containerisation

Understanding containerisation and its benefits
Docker architecture overview
Comparing containers vs. virtual machines
Docker’s role in modern software development and deployment

Module 2: Setting Up Docker Environment

Installing Docker on various operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows)
Configuring Docker daemon
Understanding Docker CLI basics
Docker Desktop overview for developers

Module 3: Working with Docker Containers

Running your first container
Basic container operations (start, stop, restart, remove)
Inspecting container logs and metadata
Executing commands inside containers
Container resource management and constraints

Module 4: Docker Images and Registries

Understanding Docker images and layers
Pulling images from Docker Hub
Creating custom images with Dockerfile
Best practices for writing efficient Dockerfiles
Pushing and pulling images from private registries
Image tagging and versioning strategies

Module 5: Docker Networking

Docker network types (bridge, host, overlay, macvlan)
Creating and managing custom networks
Inter-container communication
Exposing container ports to the host
Implementing container DNS and service discovery
Network security best practices

Module 6: Persistent Data and Volumes

Understanding the need for persistent data in containers
Types of Docker storage (volumes, bind mounts, tmpfs)
Creating and managing Docker volumes
Sharing data between containers
Backup and restore strategies for Docker volumes

Module 7: Docker Compose for Multi-Container Applications

Introduction to Docker Compose
Writing docker-compose.yml files
Defining services, networks, and volumes
Managing application lifecycle with Compose
Environment variable management and secrets
Scaling services with Compose

Module 8: Docker Security Best Practices

Securing the Docker daemon
Container isolation and resource constraints
Image vulnerability scanning
Implementing least privilege principle
Docker content trust and image signing
Network security and encryption
Secrets management in Docker

Module 9: Docker in CI/CD Pipelines

Integrating Docker with popular CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)
Building images in CI pipelines
Automated testing of containerised applications
Implementing blue-green and canary deployments with Docker
Container orchestration basics (brief introduction to Kubernetes and Swarm)

Module 10: Docker Performance and Troubleshooting

Monitoring Docker containers and hosts
Optimising Docker images for size and security
Debugging containers and analysing logs
Common Docker issues and their solutions
Docker CLI debugging commands and techniques

Module 11: Advanced Docker Topics

Multi-stage builds for optimised images
Docker BuildKit and its advantages
Working with Docker contexts
Docker plugins and extensions
OCI (Open Container Initiative) standards

Module 12: Capstone Project

Design and implement a multi-container application
Set up a CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment
Implement security best practices and performance optimisations
Present and defend your Docker deployment strategy

Conclusion and Future Trends

Recap of key Docker concepts and best practices
Emerging trends in containerisation and microservices
Resources for continued learning and community engagement