Docker for the Absolute Beginner – Hands On – DevOps Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course provides a hands-on introduction to Docker, designed for those new to containerization. You'll learn core Docker concepts and gain practical experience managing containerized applications through step-by-step demonstrations. The course spans approximately 3.5 hours of on-demand video content, divided into clear modules covering installation, image and container management, networking, Docker Compose, and best practices for production use. With lifetime access, you can progress at your own pace and revisit concepts as needed.

Module 1: Introduction to Docker & Containerization

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• What is Docker and why it’s used in modern development workflows
• Understanding containerization vs. traditional virtualization
• Key benefits of using Docker in DevOps and cloud environments
• Overview of Docker architecture and components

Module 2: Installing Docker & Setup

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Setting up Docker on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Verifying Docker installation and version
• Running your first container with Hello World
• Introduction to Docker Hub and public images

Module 3: Working with Images and Containers

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Pulling and pushing images from Docker Hub
• Creating custom images using Dockerfiles
• Running, starting, stopping, and removing containers
• Inspecting container logs and status

Module 4: Volumes, Networks & Data Management

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Managing persistent data with Docker volumes
• Mounting host directories as bind mounts
• Configuring default and custom Docker networks
• Enabling communication between containers

Module 5: Docker Compose & Multi-Container Apps

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Understanding docker-compose.yml structure
• Defining and running multi-container applications
• Orchestrating services with Docker Compose commands
• Setting up real-world applications using Compose

Module 6: Docker in Production & Best Practices

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Deploying containerized applications in production
• Performance tuning and resource optimization
• Security best practices for Docker containers
• Cleaning up unused images, containers, and networks

Module 7: Final Review and Practice

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Recap of essential Docker commands and workflows
• Practice scenarios for real-world usage
• Preparation for working with containerized environments

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with command line interface (CLI)
• Fundamental understanding of software development concepts
• Basic knowledge of operating systems (Windows, Mac, or Linux)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the fundamentals of Docker and containerization
• Build, run, and manage containers using Docker CLI and Dockerfiles
• Configure persistent storage and networking for containers
• Orchestrate multi-container applications using Docker Compose
• Apply best practices for deploying and managing Dockerized applications