Originally published on 2016-07-13; fully revised and updated.
If you need a structured way to learn Docker from scratch, this agenda gives you a clear sequence: container fundamentals, Docker installation, image and container operations, Dockerfile workflows, registries, networking, and troubleshooting. This revision keeps the intent of the original training post while organizing it into a practical reference you can use for self-study or team enablement.
Who this training path is for
- Beginners with little or no Docker background.
- DevOps and platform engineers onboarding to container workflows.
- Developers who need to package and ship applications with Docker.
- Teams building internal Docker bootcamps or workshop tracks.
Docker training agenda at a glance
| Module | Core topics | Hands-on outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Training introduction | Scope, prerequisites, learning goals | Understand the learning path and lab setup |
| Introducing containers | VM era, container model, Docker basics | Explain containers vs virtual machines |
| Linux lab preparation | Ubuntu and CentOS installation flow (as in original agenda) | Prepare hosts for Docker practice |
| Installing and updating Docker | Engine setup, non-root access, daemon basics | Run first Docker containers |
| Major Docker components | Engine, images, containers, Docker Hub | Navigate core Docker building blocks |
| Images and containers deep dive | Layers, union mounts, writable container layer | Inspect image and container internals |
| Container management | Start/stop/delete, shell access, low-level inspection | Operate containers safely day to day |
| Building from Dockerfile | Dockerfile syntax and image build lifecycle | Create and tag custom images |
| Working with registries | Public/private repos, private registry concepts | Push and pull images across environments |
| Networking and troubleshooting | docker0, exposed ports, logs, iptables context | Diagnose common runtime issues |
| Lightning recap | Fast review of key concepts | Consolidate learning and next steps |
Recommended learning workflow
This sequence keeps the hands-on progression from fundamentals to production-relevant skills.
flowchart LR
A[Training intro and prerequisites] --> B[Container fundamentals]
B --> C[Prepare Linux lab hosts]
C --> D[Install and configure Docker]
D --> E[Run and manage containers]
E --> F[Build images with Dockerfile]
F --> G[Use registries]
G --> H[Networking concepts and ports]
H --> I[Troubleshooting labs]
I --> J[Recap and next steps]
Hands-on command examples for the lab
These are representative commands aligned with the original agenda topics.
docker version
docker info
docker run --rm hello-world
docker run -d --name web -p 8080:80 nginx
docker ps
docker logs web
docker exec -it web sh
docker stop web
docker rm webCode language: CSS (css)Simple Dockerfile example used in build labs:
FROM nginx:alpine
COPY ./site /usr/share/nginx/html
EXPOSE 80
CMD ["nginx", "-g", "daemon off;"]Code language: JavaScript (javascript)Build, tag, and publish workflow:
docker build -t your-dockerhub-username/demo-web:1.0 .
docker login
docker push your-dockerhub-username/demo-web:1.0
docker pull your-dockerhub-username/demo-web:1.0Registry options compared
| Option | Best for | Operational considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Docker Hub public repositories | Open sharing, demos, community projects | Images are publicly visible |
| Docker Hub private repositories | Team collaboration with controlled access | Requires account and access management |
| Self-hosted private registry | Internal enterprise environments and full control | You manage storage, security, backup, and uptime |
Legacy topics to modernize before delivering this agenda
- The original outline includes container linking; modern training should prioritize user-defined networks and built-in DNS-based service discovery.
- CentOS-specific setup steps may need replacement depending on your current distro standards.
- The original wording references Docker Hub Enterprise, which should be validated against current product naming.
Supplementary links from the original post
- Original agenda page: https://www.devopsschool.com/blog/docker-training-agenda/
- Docker Tutorials Fundamental To Advanced (as listed in source): https://bit.ly/3hOIbTB
Best practices for running this training
- Use disposable lab hosts or VMs so learners can experiment safely.
- Pair every theory topic with at least one command-line lab.
- Teach image hygiene early: small base images, clear tags, and reproducible builds.
- Include troubleshooting drills (logs, inspect output, networking checks) before moving to advanced topics.
- Version-control all lab artifacts (Dockerfiles, sample apps, helper scripts) for repeatable delivery.
I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.
I publish technical articles at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market insights at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at TrueReviewNow, and SEO and digital marketing strategies at Wizbrand.
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