Docker in Practice: Containers, Images, Compose & Kubernetes (2026)

Overview

This course is built for learners who want to understand containers end to end, from building images locally to deploying multi-service systems with orchestration. Rather than stopping at basic Docker commands, it emphasizes real projects, modern workflows, and how Docker fits alongside Kubernetes in production environments.

The learning path is project-driven and cloud-ready, making it suitable for developers and DevOps engineers who want practical skills they can apply immediately.

Course Snapshot

• Container platform: Docker
• Orchestration: Kubernetes
• Instructor: David Joseph Katz
• Endorsement: Docker-endorsed
• Last updated: December 2025
• Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Duration: ~22.5 hours
• Learning style: Project-based, hands-on
• Certificate: Included

What This Course Is Designed To Do

This course focuses on using Docker the way it’s used in modern teams. Learners start with container fundamentals and progress toward multi-container systems, CI workflows, and Kubernetes orchestration, all tied together through realistic projects.

Primary objectives include:

• Building and running containers confidently
• Creating multi-container applications with Compose
• Understanding Docker vs Kubernetes roles
• Deploying and scaling applications in real environments

DevSecOps Fundamentals – Including Hands-On Demos

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Skills & Capabilities You’ll Build

Docker Core Skills

• Creating and running containers
• Building optimized Docker images
• Writing clean, production-ready Dockerfiles
• Managing images, networks, and volumes

Multi-Container Applications

• Using Docker Compose for local and team workflows
• Connecting services such as APIs, frontends, and proxies
• Managing configuration and scaling

Kubernetes Foundations

• Understanding Kubernetes concepts and architecture
• Writing manifests for Pods, Deployments, Services, and Ingress
• Autoscaling workloads with HPAs
• Knowing when to use Kubernetes vs Docker alone

DevOps & Deployment Workflows

• Publishing images to registries
• Integrating CI pipelines with GitHub Actions
• Deploying images to cloud registries
• Understanding modern deployment patterns

Who This Course Is Best For

• Developers learning Docker for real projects
• DevOps beginners wanting container fundamentals
• Engineers moving from local Docker to Kubernetes
• Teams looking for Docker-endorsed training
• Learners who prefer projects over theory

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The course explains fundamentals clearly and builds up gradually.

Does it include real projects?
Yes. It includes a multi-service capstone project and Kubernetes extension.

Is Kubernetes covered in depth?
It focuses on core Kubernetes concepts and practical usage, not certification prep.

Do I need cloud experience?
No, but basic web development knowledge is helpful.

Is this course up to date?
Yes. It’s updated for modern Docker and Kubernetes workflows.

Practical Value

What makes this course stand out is its project-first approach combined with official Docker endorsement. Learners don’t just learn commands—they learn how containers are actually built, connected, scaled, and deployed in modern systems.

Final Thoughts

If you want a modern, hands-on Docker course that goes beyond basics and introduces Kubernetes in a practical way, this course provides a strong foundation. It’s well suited for developers and DevOps engineers preparing to work with containerized systems in real-world environments.