Dockerfile and Dockerization

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on guide to mastering Dockerfiles and the art of Dockerization. You'll start with the fundamental syntax and instructions, then quickly move on to dockerizing real-world applications, including static websites, Python/Flask apps, and Java web applications. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on best practices and optimization, teaching you how to leverage build context, layer caching, and advanced techniques like multi-stage builds to create lean, secure, and efficient container images. By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to confidently package any application into a production-ready Docker container.

Who is this course for

This course is designed for individuals who are familiar with basic Docker commands and are now ready to create their own custom images. It's a perfect fit for:

• Software Developers: Who need to package their applications for consistent development, testing, and production environments.

• DevOps Engineers: Responsible for creating and managing the build pipelines for containerized services.

• System Administrators: Who are transitioning to a container-based infrastructure and need to create images for various services.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Write Effective Dockerfiles: Master both basic and advanced Dockerfile instructions to build custom images.

• Dockerize Various Applications: Gain practical experience packaging different types of applications, from simple static sites to complex web services.

• Optimize Build Processes: Utilize Docker's layer caching and manage the build context effectively to create faster, more efficient builds.

• Create Production-Ready Images: Implement multi-stage builds to produce minimal, secure, and highly optimized Docker images.

• Manage Data in Builds: Use the VOLUME instruction within a Dockerfile to handle persistent data requirements.

Prerequisites

To succeed in this course, you should have:

1. Fundamental Docker Knowledge: You must be comfortable with basic Docker concepts and commands, such as docker run, docker pull, and docker ps.

2. Command-Line Proficiency: You should be comfortable working in a terminal or command prompt.

3. A Working Docker Installation: You need Docker installed and running on your system to complete the hands-on labs.

Course outline

Section 1: Dockerfile Concepts

1. Introduction to Dockerfile

2. Code Example: Basic Dockerfile Instructions

3. Hands-on Lab: Dockerizing the Dojo Jump Game Using Nginx Alpine

4. Hands-on Lab: Dockerizing Your First Python Program

5. Code Example: Advanced Dockerfile Instructions

6. Hands-on Lab: Building a Tomcat JSP Docker Image

7. Hands-on Lab: Building an Image to Deploy a Tomcat .war File

Section 2: Dockerfile Instructions

1. Using Environment Variables (ENV) to Pass Runtime Configurations

Section 3: Dockerization process

1. Understanding the Docker Build Context and Managing File Inclusion

2. Code Example: Using Package Managers in a Dockerfile

3. Hands-on Lab: Dockerizing a Flask App and Tagging/Versioning It

4. Code Example: Understanding and Leveraging Docker Layer Caching

5. Daemonizing vs. Foreground Processes in Docker

Section 4: Understanding Volumes in Dockerfile

1. Using the VOLUME Instruction in a Dockerfile

2. Hands-on Lab: Using VOLUME for Persistent Data Storage

3. Handling Data Persistence with Dockerfiles

4. Best Practices for Using Volumes in Dockerfiles

Section 5: Docker optimization

1. Types of Docker Images

2. Docker Layer Caching

3. Single-Stage Builds in Docker and Their Limitations

4. Introduction to the Multi-Stage Build Pattern

5. Hands-on Lab: Single-Stage vs. Multi-Stage Build for a ReactJS App

6. Hands-on Lab: Single-Stage vs. Multi-Stage Build for a Node.js App

7. Code Example: Top Techniques for Creating Minimum-Size Docker Images

Testimonials