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Getting Started with Docker

Welcome to Docker​

Docker is a platform that lets you package your application along with everything it needs — code, runtime, libraries, config — into a single portable unit called a container. Once containerized, your app runs the same way on your laptop, a teammate's machine, or a production server.

"Works on my machine" is no longer an excuse. With Docker, it works everywhere.

Why Docker?​

Without containers, deploying an app means carefully setting up the correct OS, language version, and dependencies on every server. Docker eliminates that friction by bundling everything together.

Key benefits:

  • Consistency — same environment from development to production
  • Isolation — each service runs in its own container without conflicts
  • Portability — run anywhere Docker is installed
  • Speed — containers start in seconds, unlike virtual machines

What You'll Learn​

  • Core concepts — containers vs. images, the Docker daemon and client
  • Dockerfiles — writing instructions to build your own images
  • Docker Compose — running multi-container apps (e.g., app + database)
  • Networking & volumes — connecting containers and persisting data
  • Deployment — pushing images to Docker Hub and deploying to production

Prerequisites​

  • Basic familiarity with the terminal / command line
  • Understanding of how a web application works (frontend, backend, database)
  • Docker Desktop installed — download here