Docker Basics for DevOps from Coursera

Docker is an open platform for developers and sysadmins to build, ship, and run distributed applications, whether on laptops, data center VMs, or the cloud.

This course introduces Docker to an Absolute Beginner using really simple and easy-to-understand lectures. Lectures are followed by demos showing how to set up and get started with Docker. The coding exercises that accompany this course will help you practice Docker commands, develop your own images using Dockerfiles, and practice Docker Compose. You will be developing Docker files for different use cases right in your browser. This way, you don’t really need to have your own environment set up to get some hands-on practice. The coding exercises will validate your commands and Dockerfiles and ensure you have written them correctly.

And finally, we have assignments to put your skills to the test. You will be given the challenge to solve using the skills you gained during this course. This is a great way to gain real-life project experience and work with the other students in the community to develop a Dockerfile and get feedback for your work. The assignment will push you to research and develop your own Docker images.

Docker Course Requirements

1. Basic System Administrator Skills

2. Good to have (Not Mandatory) access to a Linux System to setup Docker to follow along

What's inside

Syllabus

Docker Introduction

The "Docker Introduction" module provides beginners with an entry point into the world of Docker. Participants will gain an understanding of Docker's fundamentals and its relevance in contemporary software development. This module offers an overview of Docker, explaining its purpose and basic functionalities. Additionally, participants will be guided through a demonstration to install and set up Docker on their systems, laying the groundwork for further exploration of Docker's capabilities.

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Constructs a beginner-friendly intro to Docker for learners with no prior experience

Balances foundational theory with regular check-ins where learning is applied

Incudes hands-on coding exercises to enhance students' practical skills

Assignments allow learners to practice skills and receive feedback from instructors

Uses simplified and easy-to-understand lectures for effective knowledge transfer

Mandates that learners have basic system administrator skills

Reviews summary

Docker basics for devops: foundational hands-on learning

According to learners, this course is a highly effective and practical introduction to Docker for absolute beginners, particularly those in or aspiring to DevOps roles. Students consistently praise the clear, concise lectures and the emphasis on extensive hands-on labs and coding exercises, which are deemed crucial for solidifying understanding. The in-browser environment eliminates setup complexities, making it easy to dive in. While some note it's a basic overview, it's widely considered to provide a strong foundation for real-world application and further learning. The course appears to be well-maintained and up-to-date.

Covers basics well but requires further advanced study.

"This course provides a solid introduction, but it's important to remember it's 'basics.' Don't expect deep dives into advanced topics."

"I feel this course is a strong starting point for Docker. For more advanced use cases, I'll definitely need to explore other resources."

"It gives you a good grasp of the fundamentals. To truly master Docker for complex scenarios, more specialized learning will be necessary."

Convenient labs eliminate local environment setup issues.

"The in-browser labs are a lifesaver! I didn't have to worry about setting up my environment, which saved a lot of time and frustration."

"I really appreciated not needing my own environment. The labs worked seamlessly, allowing me to focus on learning Docker itself."

"It's great that all labs are directly in the browser. It makes practicing very accessible and straightforward."

Course materials reflect current Docker practices.

"I found the content to be very current with recent Docker versions and best practices. No outdated information."

"It seems the course is regularly updated, which is crucial for a rapidly evolving technology like Docker."

"The information presented feels fresh and relevant, which is a huge plus compared to some older Docker courses out there."

Prepares learners for real-world DevOps scenarios.

"This course directly applies to what I need for my DevOps role. The practical examples are highly relevant."

"I found the course extremely useful for understanding how Docker fits into a modern development and deployment pipeline."

"It gave me a solid understanding of Docker that I can immediately apply in my work. Very practical and focused."

Instructor provides easy-to-understand lectures and demos.

"The instructor explains complex topics in a very simple and easy-to-understand manner. The demos are also very helpful."

"I found the lectures to be very clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow along even with no prior Docker knowledge."

"The content delivery is precise, and the instructor breaks down intimidating topics into digestible chunks. Really appreciate the clarity."

Provides crucial practical experience with Docker commands.

"The hands-on labs and coding exercises are the strongest part of this course. They really help in understanding and retaining the concepts."

"I loved the interactive labs; it's one thing to watch a demo and another to actually type commands and see the output."

"The practical exercises and assignments are fantastic. I feel much more confident using Docker after all the hands-on practice."

Perfect for those new to Docker and containerization.

"This course is excellent for absolute beginners. The concepts are explained very clearly, and the labs are a great way to practice."

"As someone completely new to Docker, I found this course incredibly helpful. It starts from the very basics and builds up logically."

"I was an absolute beginner in Docker, and this course made it incredibly easy to grasp the core concepts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Docker Basics for DevOps with these activities:

Read _Docker Deep Dive_ by Nigel Poulton

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Become familiar with Docker Engine and its capabilities.

View Docker Deep Dive on Amazon

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Purchase and begin reading Docker Deep Dive.
Review chapters 1-3 to familiarize yourself with Docker
Complete end of chapter exercises for chapters 1-3

Follow Docker tutorials on Docker Hub

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Expand your knowledge of Docker by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Docker Hub

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Visit Docker Hub at https://hub.docker.com/
Search for tutorials that align with your interests or learning objectives
Follow the steps in the tutorial to complete the exercises

Practice writing Dockerfiles

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Reinforce knowledge of Docker commands and syntax.

Browse courses on Dockerfiles

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Access the Dockerfile Tutorial at https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/builder/
Review example Dockerfiles and their corresponding documentation
Create a Dockerfile for a simple web application using the steps outlined in the documentation
Test your Dockerfile by building and running the image

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Build a Docker image for a personal project

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Apply your Docker skills to a practical application.

Browse courses on Docker Image

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Identify a personal project that would benefit from containerization
Create a Dockerfile for your project
Build and test your Docker image
Deploy your Docker image to a container registry
Optionally, share your Docker image with the community on Docker Hub

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Learners who complete Docker Basics for DevOps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Docker Basics for DevOps

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Docker basics for devops: foundational hands-on learning

Activities

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