Docker for Beginners: Containers, Images, Compose and Volumes
A hands-on introduction to Docker covering what containers and images are, how to install Docker, and the core commands for running and debugging containers. It then builds a Node.js and MongoDB app with Docker networking, Docker Compose, a Dockerfile, a private AWS ECR registry and volumes, and finishes with a Docker vs Kubernetes comparison and production best practices. It suits developers and IT beginners with no container experience. Kubernetes itself is not taught here.
Lessons by TechWorld with Nana on YouTubeCurated by YodaHut. These lessons are hosted on YouTube and produced by their original creators, who are not affiliated with YodaHut. You still earn YodaCoins, keep your streak and track progress here.
What You'll Learn
- Explain what a container is, how images are layered, and how containers differ from virtual machines
- Install Docker on Mac, Windows or Linux and use core commands: pull, run, ps, stop, start, port mapping
- Debug a running container with docker logs and docker exec -it
- Run a Node.js app with MongoDB and Mongo Express using Docker networks and a Docker Compose file
- Write a Dockerfile, build an image from it, and push it to a private AWS ECR repository
- Persist database data with named volumes in Docker Compose
- Apply eight production best practices: small pinned base images, layer caching, .dockerignore, multi-stage builds, non-root users and image scanning
Prerequisites
- No prior Docker experience needed
- Basic comfort with the command line
- Some familiarity with web app development (Node.js/JavaScript) helps for the demo videos
- An AWS account is useful if you want to follow the private registry lesson
Course Curriculum
- 1What Is Docker? Containers Explained10:44
- 2What Is a Docker Container? Images, Layers and a First Demo9:33
- 3Installing Docker on Mac, Windows and Linux19:38
- 48 Basic Docker Commands and Port Mapping16:09
- 5Debugging Containers with docker logs and docker exec10:20
- 6Docker vs Virtual Machines4:43
- 7Overview of the Docker Development-to-Deployment Workflow3:57
- 8Developing an App with Docker: Node.js, MongoDB and Networks20:51
- 9Docker Compose Tutorial13:01
- 10Dockerfile Tutorial: Building Your Own Image24:05
- 11Private Docker Registry on AWS ECR15:55
- 12Docker Volumes Explained6:03
- 13Deploying a Containerized App with Docker Compose9:57
- 14Docker Volumes Demo: Persisting MongoDB Data13:08
- 15Docker vs Kubernetes vs Docker Swarm5:31
- 16Top 8 Docker Best Practices for Production18:27
- 17Ultimate Docker Compose Tutorial1:03:14
About the Instructor
TechWorld with Nana
YouTube creator
The lessons in this course were produced by TechWorld with Nana and are published on YouTube. YodaHut selected and sequenced them into this course; we did not make them, and TechWorld with Nana is not affiliated with YodaHut.
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- 17 lessons
- 4h 25m of video
- Earns YodaCoins & streaks
- Timestamped notes
- Free — hosted on YouTube
No certificate is issued for Library courses.