Docker & Containers
intermediateTopic 6 of 11 in Cloud & DevOps
What it is
Docker packages your application and all its dependencies into a container — a lightweight, portable unit that runs the same way on any machine. Containers solve the 'works on my machine' problem.
Why cloud & devops developers need it
Containers are how modern apps are deployed. Docker is the foundation for Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native architecture. It is a must-know tool for any DevOps or backend role.
What to learn
Container concepts vs. virtual machines
Docker images, containers, and registries
Writing a Dockerfile: FROM, RUN, COPY, CMD
Docker Compose for multi-container setups
Volumes for persistent data
Networking between containers
Image optimisation: layer caching, multi-stage builds
Pushing images to Docker Hub or a private registry
Practice project
Containerised App Stack
Containerise a web app with Docker: write a Dockerfile for a Node.js or Python app, add a PostgreSQL container with Docker Compose, configure networking between them, and use volumes for database persistence.