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Introduction to Docker

IntermediateSkill Level
4.7+
2,457 reviews
Updated 12/2025
Gain an introduction to Docker and discover its importance in the data professional’s toolkit. Learn about Docker containers, images, and more.
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DockerProgramming4 hr11 videos43 Exercises3,400 XP46,679Statement of Accomplishment

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Course Description

Docker is a tool used to develop, run, and ship containers. It’s an essential part of every data professional’s toolbelt, helping to create robust, secure, and scalable applications or workflows. In this course, you’ll become a Docker pro, gaining hands-on experience using Docker CLI.Learn the Docker basics and understand how to create and manage containers using Dockerfiles and instructions. You’ll learn the Docker terminology and get hands-on experience with Docker commands using the Docker Command Line Interface.As you progress, you’ll learn how to create and manage Docker containers using Dockerfiles and Dockerfile instructions. To wrap up, you’ll learn Docker image security best practices to make your images safe and secure.The videos contain live transcripts you can reveal by clicking "Show transcript" at the bottom left of the videos. The course glossary can be found on the right in the resources section. To obtain CPE credits you need to complete the course and reach a score of 70% on the qualified assessment. You can navigate to the assessment by clicking on the CPE credits callout on the right.

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What you'll learn

  • Assess techniques for optimizing image builds through layer caching, tag management, and disk-space pruning
  • Differentiate interactive, detached, and named container execution modes and their corresponding operational scenarios
  • Evaluate security best practices for choosing trusted base images, minimizing installed packages, and limiting user privileges within containers
  • Identify essential Docker CLI commands to pull images, start and stop containers, view logs, and manage images
  • Recognize proper syntax and sequencing for key Dockerfile instructions, including FROM, RUN, COPY, CMD, WORKDIR, USER, ARG, and ENV

Prerequisites

Introduction to ShellContainerization and Virtualization Concepts
1

Using Docker Containers

You'll go from starting and stopping your first container to seeing how to clean your environment by removing all containers and images. You'll see how to debug issues by running commands inside a container or executing bash commands in a container interactively. All of this is done using the Docker Command Line Interface.
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2

Writing Your Own Docker Images

Once you are able to manage images and containers, it's time to know how to share images with colleagues or your entire company and to understand how to create your own. Now, you'll build your own images using Dockerfiles. Dockerfiles are text files that include everything needed for Docker to build an image. You'll learn how to create images and will get an introduction to all the essential Dockerfile instructions like FROM, RUN, COPY, and more. By the end of this chapter, you'll have insight into how Docker makes images and be able to create optimized Docker images from scratch.
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3

Creating Secure Docker Images

In this final chapter, you’ll focus on making your Dockerfiles configurable and secure. You'll learn how to make your Dockerfiles configurable using the ARG and ENV instructions. You’ll see why changing the user in your images makes them more secure and how to use the USER Dockerfile instruction to do so. To wrap things up, you’ll learn about some essential security best practices when creating Docker Images.
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Introduction to Docker
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*4.7
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FAQs

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes, this course is perfect for beginners! It provides an introduction to Docker and walks you through step-by-step, starting with the basics and building up to more complex applications like creating secure images.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion.

What jobs would benefit from this course?

Data professionals, software developers, product managers, system administrators, and DevOps engineers can all benefit from this course. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use Docker to develop, run, and ship containers, enabling you to create robust, secure, and scalable applications or workflows.

What topics are covered in this course?

This course covers the basics of Docker, including Docker engine, terminology, and commands using the Docker Command Line Interface (CLI). You'll also learn how to create and manage containers using Dockerfiles and instructions, and learn best practices for creating secure Docker images.

What is included in the course?

This course includes 4 chapters, each with multiple lectures and lab components. You'll get hands-on experience with Docker commands and learn best practices for creating secure images.

How long does this course take to complete?

This course should take approximately 4 hours to complete.

What do I need to get started?

You'll need a basic understanding of command line interface (CLI) and should be comfortable with the concept of containers and virtual machines. You can use any operating system to run the course, though you will need an active Docker account.

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