Beginner Introduction to Containers, Docker, and Kubernetes Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course provides a hands-on introduction to containerization using Docker and a foundational understanding of Kubernetes. Over approximately 6 hours of content, you'll learn core Docker concepts, build and manage containers, define multi-service applications, and deploy a complete project. Each module includes practical demonstrations to reinforce learning and prepare you for real-world DevOps workflows.

Module 1: Introduction to Containerization

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• What are containers and how they revolutionize software deployment
• Understanding the role of containers in modern software development
• Key differences between containers and traditional virtual machines (VMs)
• Benefits of containerization for deployment speed and consistency

Module 2: Setting Up Docker

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Installing Docker on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Verifying Docker installation and environment setup
• Introduction to the Docker CLI and basic commands
• Running your first container with hello-world example

Module 3: Docker Images & Containers

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Pulling and running public images from Docker Hub
• Managing container lifecycle: start, stop, restart, and remove
• Inspecting containers and viewing logs
• Understanding the relationship between images and containers

Module 4: Dockerfiles & Custom Images

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Writing Dockerfiles to define custom environments
• Using common Dockerfile instructions: FROM, RUN, COPY, CMD
• Building and tagging custom Docker images
• Best practices for efficient image creation

Module 5: Volumes & Data Persistence

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Managing persistent data in containers using volumes
• Creating and using named volumes and bind mounts
• Mounting host directories into containers
• Data backup and persistence best practices

Module 6: Networking in Docker

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Understanding Docker's default bridge network
• Exposing and publishing container ports
• Mapping host ports to container ports
• Securing communication between containers

Module 7: Docker Compose

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Defining multi-container applications using docker-compose.yml
• Orchestrating services with Docker Compose
• Starting, stopping, and scaling services
• Managing dependencies and environment variables in Compose

Module 8: Final Project – Deploy a Containerized App

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Building a complete web application using Docker and Docker Compose
• Integrating multiple services such as web server, database, and backend
• Testing and deploying the containerized application end-to-end

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of command line interface (CLI)
• Familiarity with software development concepts
• Access to a computer with at least 4GB RAM and admin rights for Docker installation

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain how containerization transforms software deployment
• Use Docker to build, run, and manage containers effectively
• Create custom Docker images using Dockerfiles
• Manage data persistence with Docker volumes
• Deploy multi-container applications using Docker Compose