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, advanced knowledge of container runtime helps during troubleshooting and using advanced container creation practices such as multi-stage docker build.
Additionally, having the basic knowledge of contained 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 – Udemy | Online Video | To understand the fundamentals of Docker |
| Interactive Lab to Learn Docker – by Docker | Lab | Docker 101 to experience Docker without installing locally (free session for 4 hours) It requires registration with a Docker ID. |
| Docker Documentation | Online | Docker Official Documentation |
| Docker Handbook – Freecodecamp | GitHub | Reference Handbook with code & examples |
Other Recommended Courses/Material available for free:
- Docker for Java Developers (Udemy)
- Deploying Containerized Application (Udemy)
- Docker Get Started Guide
#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, EKS, or AKS, having the expertise helps to navigate the team as well as deployment architecture formulation.
| Course/Material | Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Kubernetes – The Linux Foundation | Online | It includes basic Kubernetes architecture knowledge, installation & setup using Minikube, deployment, config maps, ingress, etc. |
| Interactive Lab to Learn Kubernetes – by Docker | Lab | Kubernetes101 to experience it without installing locally (free session for 4 hours) It requires registration with a Docker ID. |
| Interactive Tutorial with scenarios 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 – Kubeacademy by VMWare
- Kubernetes Tutorials – Google Cloud
- 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 – Initial certification for container runtimes and microservices architecture with performance-based items to be solved in 2 hours.
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator – 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 and docker.
