# Free Docker & Kubernetes Courses For Application Architects

As a **full-stack architect**, understanding and being hands-on with Docker & Kubernetes helps you to drive end-to-end architecture and technology decisions. This article summarizes free Docker & Kubernetes courses focused for application architects.

## #1 – Containerization with Docker

Apart from having the basic knowledge of [Docker](https://www.docker.com/why-docker), advanced knowledge of [container runtime](https://kubernetes.io/docs/setup/production-environment/container-runtimes/) helps during troubleshooting and using advanced container creation practices such as multi-stage docker build.

Additionally, having the basic knowledge of **[contained](https://containerd.io/)** help**,** which is container runtime for Docker & Kubernetes. The list of below courses help to get foundational knowledge and also extend your understanding further by using the documentation:

| Course/Material | Mode | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Docker Essentials](https://www.udemy.com/course/docker-essentials/)  
– Udemy | Online Video | To understand the fundamentals of Docker |
| [Interactive Lab to Learn Docker](https://labs.play-with-docker.com/)  
– by [Docker](https://docker.com/) | Lab | Docker 101 to experience Docker without installing locally (free session for 4 hours)  
_It requires registration with a Docker ID._ |
| [Docker Documentation](https://docs.docker.com) | Online | Docker Official Documentation |
| [Docker Handbook](https://github.com/fhsinchy/the-docker-handbook)  
– [Freecodecamp](https://www.freecodecamp.org/) | GitHub | Reference Handbook with code & examples |

Other Recommended Courses/Material available for free:

-   [Docker for Java Developers](https://www.udemy.com/course/introduction-to-docker-for-java-developers/) (Udemy)
-   [Deploying Containerized Application](https://www.udemy.com/course/deploying-containerized-applications-technical-overview) (Udemy)
-   [Docker Get Started Guide](https://docs.docker.com/get-started/resources/)

## #2 – Container Management with Kubernetes

With the growing usage of Kubernetes in production, having hands-on knowledge with troubleshooting skills it is an essential skillset for application architects. Even if you are using managed Kubernetes services like [GKE](https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine), [EKS,](https://aws.amazon.com/eks/) or [AKS](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/kubernetes-service/), having the expertise helps to navigate the team as well as [deployment architecture](https://vedcraft.com/architecture/5-tips-physical-architecture-for-cloud/) formulation.

| **Course/Material** | Mode | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Introduction to Kubernetes](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/training/introduction-to-kubernetes/)  
– [The Linux Foundation](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/) | Online | It includes basic Kubernetes architecture knowledge, installation & setup using [Minikube](https://github.com/kubernetes/minikube), deployment, config maps, ingress, etc. |
| [Interactive Lab to Learn Kubernetes](https://training.play-with-kubernetes.com/kubernetes-workshop/)  
– by [Docker](https://docker.com/) | Lab | Kubernetes101 to experience it without installing locally (free session for 4 hours)  
_It requires registration with a Docker ID._ |
| [Interactive Tutorial with scenarios](https://kubernetes.io/docs/tutorials/kubernetes-basics/) to Learn Kubernetes | Lab | A step-by-step guide with an interactive tutorial to setup Kubernetes, configure & deploy |

Other Recommended Courses/Material available for free:

-   [Kubernetes Courses](https://kube.academy/courses) – Kubeacademy by VMWare
-   [Kubernetes Tutorials](https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/tutorials) – Google Cloud
-   [What is Kubernetes?](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/what-is-kubernetes/) – Microsoft Azure

If you would like to advanced your knowledge or get certified, you can start preparing for hands-on lab based certification by CNCF & The Linux Foundation:

-   [Certified Kubernetes Application Developer](https://www.cncf.io/certification/ckad/) – Initial certification for container runtimes and microservices architecture with performance-based items to be solved in 2 hours.
-   [Certified Kubernetes Administrator](https://www.cncf.io/certification/cka/) – Advanced certification as Kubernetes administrator with performance-based items to be solved in 2 hours.

To conclude, these courses and references help you to get started & develop core knowledge nothing can beat hands-on knowledge and practical experience. Keep experimenting with [kubectl](https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/kubectl/overview/) and [docker](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/cli/).