As a data analyst and technology geek, I‘m excited to see Docker taking over as the dominant way to develop, deploy and run applications. After researching many online resources, I want to share my picks for the 11 best Docker tutorials to take your skills from beginner to master level.
These courses provide the practical knowledge to start leveraging Docker for your own projects, whether you‘re a developer, sysadmin, or aspiring DevOps engineer. As your friend, let me walk you through them!
But first, let‘s quickly recap why Docker is so transformative.
Why Docker Matters
Docker fundamentally changes how applications are built and run in the cloud-native world. As a container platform, it provides standardized packaging for apps with all their dependencies included.
This container can then run unchanged on any server infrastructure – laptop, data center, cloud – which makes Docker a game changer.
According to 2022 StackOverflow survey data, Docker adoption has steadily grown to 49% of respondents. And a recent report from MarketsandMarkets projects the global Docker market size to grow from $2.3 billion in 2022 to $9.6 billion by 2027!
As a friend, let me say: if you aren‘t learning Docker in 2023, you‘re already behind the curve. It‘s become essential knowledge.
Here are some key benefits Docker provides:
- Portability – Containerized apps run anywhere
- Agility – Easy and fast to deploy, scale
- Collaboration – Enables DevOps workflows
- Efficiency – Higher resource utilization
- Consistency – Ensures app environment parity
- Lightweight – Share OS kernel for smaller footprint
With this game-changing technology, it‘s no wonder Docker skills are in such high demand. But where to start learning it? Let‘s dive into the 11 best tutorials available today.
1. Docker for Absolute Beginners – FreeCodeCamp (YouTube)
I recommend starting with this free 3 hour Docker tutorial on YouTube from FreeCodeCamp. It provides a full course for absolute beginners.
The instructor explains Docker concepts from the ground up in an easy-to-follow manner. He starts with why Docker is useful, then covers:
- Installing Docker
- Running containers
- Building custom images with Dockerfiles
- Networking containers
- Data volumes
- Docker Compose
- Swarm
There are also coding examples and exercises using Node.js and MongoDB that give hands-on practice applying the concepts.
With over 900,000 views, this Docker tutorial from FreeCodeCamp is a great starting point for beginners. The instructor makes the material approachable and gives you a fundamental base on which to build.
2. Docker Tutorial for Beginners – TechWorld with Nana (YouTube)
For a quicker overview of Docker basics, check out this 90 minute Docker Beginner Tutorial from TechWorld with Nana on YouTube.
It provides a high-level intro to Docker covering:
- Architecture
- Basic commands
- Containers
- Custom images
- Networking
- Volumes
- Docker Compose
The instructor Nana explains each concept clearly with diagrams and visuals. With her upbeat teaching style, she makes Docker less intimidating for beginners.
3. Get Started with Docker – Docker Docs
Now that you have the basics down, try the official Docker Get Started tutorial. This is a step-by-step beginner guide using an example Node.js app.
It teaches core concepts like:
- Containers
- Dockerfiles
- Images
- Container networking
- Docker Hub
The tutorial has nicely illustrated screenshots explaining each step. After completing this, you‘ll have a solid grasp of Docker fundamentals and be able to containerize and run simple apps.
4. Docker Tutorial for Beginners – Edureka on YouTube
Another good visual introduction is Edureka‘s Docker Tutorial for Beginners video on YouTube.
The 1.5 hour video covers:
- Why Docker
- Architecture
- Basic commands
- Images v. containers
- Dockerfiles
- Networking
- Data volumes
The instructor explains each topic clearly with diagrams and examples. The video format allows you to follow along Docker fundamentals visually.
5. Learn Docker in 12 Minutes – Jake Wright (YouTube)
Once you have the basics down, Jake Wright‘s free 12 minute Docker tutorial provides a quick refresher.
It walks through:
- Containers and images
- Common commands
- Dockerfiles
- Networking
- Volumes
- Docker Compose
This fast-paced video lets you recap core concepts concisely. Jake explains each topic clearly and concisely for easy understanding.
6. Docker Mastery – Bret Fisher (Udemy)
Now that you have the basics down, to really master Docker you need an in-depth course.
My top recommendation is Docker Mastery by Bret Fisher on Udemy. This 8.5 hour course provides comprehensive Docker training from a Docker Captain.
It covers core concepts like images, containers, volumes and networking in-depth. You‘ll also learn essential real-world skills like:
- Multi-stage builds
- Image tagging strategies
- Layer caching for faster builds
- Docker Compose
- Swarm clusters
- Security and optimization
Bret Fisher explains each topic clearly and has demos, exercises and examples throughout to reinforce the skills. After this course, you‘ll have master-level Docker knowledge.
7. Docker and Kubernetes – The Complete Guide – Stephen Grider (Udemy)
To expand your container skills, check out this best-selling course on Udemy combining Docker and Kubernetes training.
Experienced instructor Stephen Grider first teaches you Docker skills like:
- Containers
- Images
- Networking
- Volumes
- Docker Compose
Then he covers Kubernetes topics like:
- Pods
- Deployments
- Services
- High availability
After this course, you‘ll be able to develop, deploy and manage applications with Docker and Kubernetes. Given Kubernetes‘ growth, these combined skills will make you highly marketable.
8. Learn Docker – Fundamentals – Linux Academy
For in-depth IT ops focused Docker training, check out Linux Academy‘s Learn Docker course.
The 6 hours of training teach core concepts like:
- Images
- Containers
- Networking
- Storage
- Security
- Compose
- Swarm
- Registry
- Kubernetes
There are hands-on labs throughout to apply the skills. After this intermediate level course, you‘ll feel comfortable working professionally with Docker.
9. Play with Docker – Docker Labs
To get hands-on Docker practice, Play with Docker offers free browser-based labs.
It gives you access to a Docker environment right in the browser. The Classroom course provides interactive lessons and labs on:
- Images
- Containers
- Networking
- Swarm
- Security
- CI/CD
- Registry
These real-world labs allow you to develop Docker skills through active learning.
10. Docker Curriculum – Katacoda
Another good source of free interactive labs is Katacoda‘s Docker Curriculum.
It offers beginner to advanced scenarios on:
- Containers
- Image building
- Networking
- Volumes
- Swarm
- Compose
- Registry
- Kubernetes
These hands-on learning experiences let you gain Docker skills through practice.
11. Docker Certified Associate Video Course – LinkedIn Learning
To take your Docker knowledge to an expert level, I recommend getting Docker Certified!
LinkedIn Learning‘s Become a Docker Certified Associate video course covers everything you need to pass the DCA exam.
It provides 13+ hours of advanced training on:
- Image creation
- Orchestration
- Networking
- Security
- Storage
- Troubleshooting
After this course, you‘ll have real-world Docker expertise to pass the exam and work professionally. The credential validates your skills.
Conclusion
Well friend, we‘ve now covered my picks for the 11 best Docker tutorials in 2023 – from beginner to advanced!
To recap, I‘d start with the basics from FreeCodeCamp, Edureka and the Docker Docs.
After getting core concepts down, do a deeper dive with the courses from Bret Fisher, Stephen Grider or Linux Academy.
Get hands-on with Play with Docker and Katacoda labs.
Finally, prepare for the Docker Certified Associate exam with LinkedIn Learning to take your skills to the top.
Learning Docker does have a bit of a curve, but it‘s a valuable investment. With these tutorials, you‘ll gain practical skills to start leveraging containers.
And remember – as a fellow technology geek, I‘m always happy to answer any Docker questions you have! Never hesitate to reach out.
Now get out there and start Dockerizing! By this time next year, you‘ll be a container pro.
