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Docker Resources

3 min read

Here is a curated list of the best resources for learning Docker, categorized by learning style (hands-on, video, reading, and reference).

1. The “Gold Standard” (Start Here)

  • Docker Curriculum: This is widely considered the best free textual guide for beginners. It was created by Prakhar Srivastav and explains the “why” and “how” of Docker with excellent clarity and real-world examples.
  • Official Docker “Get Started” Guide: The official documentation has improved significantly. Their orientation guide walks you through downloading Docker Desktop and containerizing your first application.

2. Interactive & Hands-On Labs

If you want to type commands without installing anything on your computer yet:

  • Play with Docker: An official project that gives you a terminal in your browser. It acts as a sandbox where you can practice Docker commands on a live instance for free (requires a Docker Hub login).
  • Killercoda: Offers browser-based interactive scenarios for Docker and Kubernetes. It is excellent for testing specific scenarios without messing up your local machine.

3. Video Courses (YouTube & Paid)

  • TechWorld with Nana (YouTube): Her Docker Crash Course is arguably the best visual introduction available for free. She uses excellent animations to explain the architecture (Images vs. Containers).
  • Bret Fisher (Udemy): His course, “Docker Mastery,” is the industry standard for paid video courses. Bret is a Docker Captain; he keeps the course updated constantly and runs a Discord server for student questions.
  • FreeCodeCamp (YouTube): They have several full-length (2-4 hour) courses that cover everything from installation to multi-container orchestration.

4. Books

  • “Docker Deep Dive” by Nigel Poulton: If you prefer reading physical or e-books, this is the one to get. Nigel Poulton is a leading voice in the container community. He updates the book almost every year to keep up with Docker’s changes.

5. Cheat Sheets & Roadmaps

  • Roadmap.sh (Docker): This provides a visual tree of exactly what you need to learn and in what order (e.g., CLI → Images → Networking → Volumes).
  • Docker Labs (GitHub): A collection of tutorials and labs created by the Docker engineering team and community.

Suggested Learning Path

  1. Watch TechWorld with Nana to understand the concepts.
  2. Read through Docker Curriculum to understand the commands.
  3. Install Docker Desktop and containerize a simple Python or Node.js app.
  4. Learn Docker Compose (crucial for running multiple containers, like an App + Database).

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