Docker Learning Path - From Scratch 🐳

Welcome to your comprehensive Docker learning journey! This repository contains everything you need to learn Docker from the ground up.

📚 Learning Path

Phase 1: Docker Fundamentals

1. What is Docker? - Understanding containers vs VMs
2. Installation - Setting up Docker on your system
3. Basic Commands - Your first Docker commands
4. Images and Containers - Core concepts

Phase 2: Dockerfiles

5. Writing Dockerfiles - Creating your own images
6. Best Practices - Optimizing your Dockerfiles
7. Multi-stage Builds - Advanced Dockerfile techniques

Phase 3: Working with Containers

8. Container Lifecycle - Run, stop, remove containers
9. Networking - Connecting containers
10. Volumes - Persistent data storage

Phase 4: Docker Compose

11. Introduction to Compose - Multi-container applications
12. Compose Files - YAML configuration
13. Services and Networks - Orchestrating containers

Phase 5: Advanced Topics

14. Docker Hub - Sharing images
15. Docker Registry - Private registries
16. Production Best Practices - Security and optimization

🚀 Quick Start

1. Install Docker: Visit docker.com/get-started
2. Verify Installation:

   docker --version
   docker run hello-world

3. Start Learning: Follow the exercises in order:
   • 01-basics/ - Start here!
   • 02-dockerfiles/ - Learn to build images
   • 03-containers/ - Master container operations
   • 04-docker-compose/ - Multi-container apps
   • 05-advanced/ - Production-ready skills

📁 Repository Structure

.
├── 01-basics/              # Docker fundamentals
├── 02-dockerfiles/         # Creating Dockerfiles
├── 03-containers/          # Container operations
├── 04-docker-compose/      # Multi-container apps
├── 05-advanced/            # Advanced topics
├── exercises/              # Practice exercises
└── sample-apps/            # Applications to containerize

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• ✅ Understand Docker concepts and architecture
• ✅ Create and manage Docker containers
• ✅ Write efficient Dockerfiles
• ✅ Use Docker Compose for multi-container applications
• ✅ Deploy applications using Docker
• ✅ Apply Docker best practices

📖 How to Use This Repository

1. Read the README in each directory
2. Follow examples step by step
3. Complete exercises to reinforce learning
4. Experiment with the sample applications

🛠️ Prerequisites

• Basic command line knowledge
• Understanding of software development concepts
• Docker installed on your system

📝 Notes

• Take your time with each concept
• Practice the commands yourself
• Don't skip the exercises
• Experiment and break things (that's how you learn!)

🆘 Need Help?

• Check the TROUBLESHOOTING.md file
• Review Docker official docs: docs.docker.com
• Practice with the exercises in each section

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Happy Learning! 🎉