Preparing Docker Apps for Production from Pluralsight

It's easy to run your apps in containers, but "docker run" isn't going to get you very far in production. This course will teach you all the best practices for packaging and running your apps with Docker, Docker Compose and Kubernetes.

Containers need to work with the features of the platform they're using if you're going to get the most out of them. In this course, Preparing Docker Apps for Production, you’ll learn all the best practices for setting up and running containerized applications.

First, you’ll see how to separate app configuration from the container image, so you can configure apps independently. Next, you’ll see how to push application logs out from containers and collect them in a centralized store. Then you'll take advantage of self-healing features by adding health checks and dependency checks to your containers. Finally, you’ll learn how to manage network traffic so you can route incoming requests to the right containers.

When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have understanding of how containers work in production, so you can plan your path to go live with Docker.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Reading Configuration from the Container Platform

Surfacing Application Logs in the Container Platform

Building and Running Self-healing Applications

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches best practices for running applications with Docker, Docker Compose, and Kubernetes, which are standard in the industry

Taught by Elton Stoneman, who is recognized for their work in containers

Develops skills in preparing Docker apps for production, which are core skills for DevOps engineers

Covers a range of topics relevant to containerized applications, including configuration management, logging, self-healing, and network traffic management

Reviews summary

Practical guide to production docker applications

According to students, this course is a highly practical and relevant guide for anyone preparing Docker applications for production. Learners consistently praise the clear explanations and hands-on demonstrations provided by the knowledgeable instructor, particularly for critical topics like container configuration, centralized logging, and self-healing applications. While the course provides an invaluable bridge from development to deployment, some students noted it moves at a fast pace and assumes prior Docker experience. Recent updates have made the content even more current.

Course content is actively updated and current.

"Updated content on Kubernetes integrations is a game-changer! The course is now even more relevant for modern production setups."

"Some older parts seemed a bit outdated initially, but I saw updates were made recently."

"I see they've been updating content, which is great."

Covers critical aspects like logging and health checks.

"The sections on logging and configuration were very practical."

"The segment on health checks truly demystified a critical part of reliable deployments."

"The insights on handling logs and configuration in production are very valuable."

Instructor explains complex topics effectively.

"The instructor's explanations were spot on, making complex topics digestible."

"I especially appreciated the hands-on labs for 'Building and Running Self-healing Applications'."

"The instructor breaks down complex ideas effectively."

Focuses on real-world production scenarios.

"The topics are highly relevant for anyone deploying Docker in a professional environment."

"This course is a goldmine for understanding how to get Docker ready for prime time. The best practices covered are invaluable."

"I learned how to apply practical advice on preparing Docker apps for a production environment."

Some desire more advanced Kubernetes topics.

"I was hoping for more advanced Kubernetes integration examples."

"While the course title suggests 'production,' some topics felt a bit superficial, especially around complex orchestration."

"Some parts on network traffic felt a bit rushed, and I wished for more advanced examples there."

Best suited for intermediate to advanced learners.

"I felt it moved a bit too fast for someone new to production Docker concepts."

"As a beginner, I found myself frequently pausing to look up basic commands and concepts, which slowed my progress significantly."

"It's more for those with some prior hands-on Docker experience."

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 Preparing Docker Apps for Production with these activities:

Review networking concepts

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A strong understanding of networking is essential for managing container traffic. Reviewing these concepts will help you build a solid foundation for working with Docker networks.

Browse courses on Networking Concepts

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Review basic networking principles (e.g., IP addresses, ports)
Learn about container networking concepts (e.g., Docker networks)

Gather resources on Docker security best practices

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Docker security is crucial for protecting your applications and data. Compiling resources on best practices will provide you with a valuable reference for implementing secure Docker deployments.

Browse courses on Docker Security

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Search for articles, documentation, and tutorials on Docker security
Organize and summarize these resources for future reference

Review Docker Compose concepts

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Docker Compose is a vital tool for managing multi-container applications. Reviewing its concepts and features will ensure you have the knowledge to use it effectively.

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Review the basics of Docker Compose
Explore advanced features and use cases

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Participate in a study group on Docker best practices

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Connecting with peers and discussing best practices will broaden your knowledge and provide insights into common challenges and solutions in Docker deployments.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Find a study group or discussion forum focused on Docker
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge

Practice configuring apps in containers

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Configuring apps in containers is a fundamental skill for running apps in production. Practice this skill to strengthen your understanding.

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Set up a local Docker environment
Create a simple app and containerize it
Configure the app's environment variables and ports

Explore Kubernetes tutorials

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Kubernetes is a complex platform. Exploring tutorials will help you develop a deeper understanding of its concepts and features, which will aid you in production-ready implementations.

Browse courses on Container Orchestration

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Find online tutorials and documentation on Kubernetes
Follow the tutorials and practice setting up and managing Kubernetes clusters

Create a Docker Compose file for a multi-container application

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Hands-on experience with Docker Compose will enhance your ability to design and manage complex multi-container applications, which is crucial for production environments.

Browse courses on Docker Compose

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Design a multi-container application architecture
Create Dockerfiles for each container
Write a Docker Compose file to define the application's services
Test the multi-container application

Career center

Learners who complete Preparing Docker Apps for Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a system that meets those needs. Systems Engineers also install and configure the system and provide training to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a database that meets those needs. Database Administrators also install and configure the database and provide training to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and implementing software systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a system that meets those needs. Software Architects also work with developers to implement the system and ensure that it is scalable and maintainable.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement a security plan that meets those needs. Information Security Analysts also monitor the system for security breaches and take action to resolve any breaches that occur.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a network that meets those needs. Network Administrators also install and configure the network and provide training to users.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers are responsible for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement a security plan that meets those needs. Security Engineers also monitor the system for security breaches and take action to resolve any breaches that occur.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and managing cloud computing infrastructures. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a cloud infrastructure that meets those needs. Cloud Architects also manage the day-to-day operations of cloud infrastructures, ensuring that they are running smoothly and efficiently.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to help businesses make informed decisions. Data Scientists may work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations, improving the overall efficiency of software delivery. They use their knowledge of both development and operations to identify and resolve bottlenecks in the software development process.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding and analyzing business processes. They work with clients to identify areas for improvement and then develop and implement solutions. Business Analysts may also work with IT staff to ensure that technology solutions are aligned with business objectives.

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IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users. They work with users to resolve technical issues and provide training on new software and hardware.

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Quality Assurance Tester

Quality Assurance Testers are responsible for testing software to identify and resolve defects. They work with developers to create test plans and then execute those plans to test the software.

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Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing computer programs. They work on all aspects of a software program, from creating the initial concept to writing the actual code. Software Developers may also maintain and update existing programs.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects. They work with clients to define the scope of the project and then develop a plan to complete the project on time and within budget. Project Managers also monitor the project's progress and make adjustments as needed.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing clear and concise documentation for software and other technical products. They work with engineers and other technical staff to understand the product and then write documentation that explains how to use it.

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