Docker Basics: Complete Docker DevOps Tutorial for Beginners! (2024)

Introduction

The world has come a long way in terms of technology. And as they say, there is always room for better, fresh prospects that seem to be emerging in the market. Here is another treat for the developers! Yes, we will cover Docker in DevOps today. Stay tuned to know more about it!

What is Docker? Docker tool is basically used to create, deploy, and run the applications by using containers. In this article about Docker for beginners, we will describe:

• What is Docker in DevOps
• Features and benefits of Docker DevOps.
• Career path

Are you ready for the Docker tutorial and its brief introduction. Let’s start!

Learn Docker Basics: What is Docker?

Here, we will help you in understanding Docker from the scratch. Before going deep, let’s get started with Docker introduction first.

So, what does Docker do? Let’s find out below!

Docker is a virtual machine, but unlike virtual machines that create a completely separate operating system. Docker allows the applications to use the Linux kernel of the same machine on which it is installed. By using this benefit, it can make the applications ready to ship to other machines running the same Linux OS with somewhat different configurations.

So, why should you learn about Docker basics? Through Docker DevOps, developers can easily pack all parts of an application like libraries and other dependencies and ship it out as a single package.

Package delivery of the application can keep the developer assured about the timely delivery of the application without being concerned about the type and configuration of the platform. In this way, application size gets reduced significantly, and at the time of shipping, application performance also gets improved.

Another fantastic fact about Dockers is that it is an open-source tool. Anyone can use it to meet their needs even if they want any additional feature or in case they want to add a part that does not exist in the application. After learning Docker basics, you will have a clear idea about how to use Docker.

Docker Tutorial: Why is it Popular?

Do you want to learn Docker basics? Let us first decode why Docker is popular. Since Docker's launch on 10 June 2014, various firms have used this tool extensively. Today, over 35 million applications have been shipped via Docker and over 37 billion Docker applications have been downloaded.

The Docker tool was designed for developers and system administrators, an essential part of DevOps. With Docker, developers can focus on application development rather than being worried about the platform where it will run. They can start all by themselves using ready-to-use Docker programs.

These programs are part of the Docker tool. Docker minimizes the number of required systems and increases application deployment flexibility. Being lightweight and small, Docker requires lower overhead and has a small footprint.

To understand the Docker basics, you must also look at some of the benefits. Check them below.

1). Low System Requirements

Companies choose containers for deployment rather than virtual machines as they require complex and huge hardware. Containers use shared operating systems, which are much more efficient than virtual machines. They do not use the operating system as a whole and leave 99.9% of total space free that any other program or process can use. So, if you have a perfectly tuned container system, you can run more server instances on the same machine compared to the virtual machines.

Read: Kubernetes Tutorial Guide For Beginner

When you know what is docker, you must know the reasons why it is preferred across the globe.

2). Continuous Integration & Deployment

Another reason for using Docker containers is its continuous integration and deployment ability. This Docker Container tutorial will give you a fair idea of their functions. Through DevOps methodology and DevOps Lifecycle, developers can integrate their code with a shared repository and deploy it efficiently and quickly.

3). Quick Application Portability

Containers give instant application portability. It means that developers can pack, ship, and run the application as a self-sufficient container. You run it virtually from anywhere. So it is pretty easy to use and makes the application deployment more efficient.

4). Code Isolation

Even DevOps Engineer and developers can isolate their code into a single container through Docker if they feel so. Due to this, program modification or update becomes easier. With the help of Dockers, companies can easily break an extensive application into smaller ones to deploy it.

Docker’s containers are pretty easier to deploy on the cloud as well. Hence, they it can get easily incorporated into DevOps application. Also, you must be sure of the best DevOps implementation practices for assured outcomes.

We are sure such Docker tutorials like this one will help new developers to gain basic knowledge about this tool.

5). Local Development Environment

For CI/CD process, a local development environment can be set up through Docker. This environment is similar to the live server. Multiple development environments can get created with unique software, configuration, and operating systems from the same host. So, you can test an application for different servers. Also, anyone can work on the same project with various settings regardless of the local host environment.

6) . Increased Efficiency

An IT team with strong DevOps knowledge can deploy the software even 200 times faster than any low-performing IT department and recover 24 times faster with a lower failure rate. So, businesses are using DevOps, and for that, they are using DevOps Docker to test the application in a safe and secure environment. So, this is just an excellent way to deliver some applications.

Why is Docker Used in DevOps?

By now, you must have got an idea about what is Docker? Now, we will discuss why it is in use in DevOps!

Well, Docker has a “run” option through which a container can get created. Container life is bounded by the process of life. That means as soon as the process is finished, containers will also get terminated. DevOps Training can also give you a fair idea of the implementation of Docker. Following the command can help you in knowing what commands are available in Docker:

1). Real-Time Usage Cases of Docker

Now that you know what is Docker and what its real-time usage is in DevOps let us know a few real-time uses of it. Following are the few real-time usages of Docker.

2). Environment Standardization

Docker introduced environment standardization by minimizing the inconsistency between different environments. It is a technology that makes the development environment repeatable, and companies can ensure that every team member is working in the same domain. Leading companies use Docker for development testing and production.

Above all, Docker composes configuration files so that each team member has access to create an environment of their own.

3). Consistent and Faster Configuration

Docker configuration files are simple. You need to put your configuration into the code and deploy it. Docker supports a wide variety of environments, enabling you to use the same configuration repeatedly.

The most advantageous part about using Docker is an accelerated project setup for the fresh developers. You can keep the development environment the same for every developer.

Once you have the consistency kicking in, you can skip the time taking environment settings and let the fresh developers start any programming right away. Above all, Docker saves time for deployment documentation and preparation set up for the process.

4). Better Disaster Recovery

Disaster never knocks at the door without an invitation. However, Docker provides for backup at times of disaster or disturbances. The lost data can get retrieved later if there is any serious issue. For instance, if there is a hardware failure, a company is more likely to lose the data. But Docker can easily help to replicate the file to the new hardware.

6). Helps in Better Adoption of DevOps

The DevOps community is gradually using Docker to standardize the environment. Docker keeps the production environment consistent with the testing environment.

Standardization also plays an instrumental role in automation. The ever-changing interface can frustrate the team members because of the standard development environment.

List of Docker Commands with Example

We have Docker explained in-depth in this blog. By now, you must have gained a complete idea of what Docker is and its real-time usage.

Now let us list out a few Docker commands with examples. Using the installation wizard, the user can install Docker on any machine. Docker installer can be located on the community page of Docker.

You can also refer to the Docker command cheat sheet as a handy reference. For the Linux system, Docker is usually available as a distribution package manager. The following command is used to install Docker on Fedora. These commands will help you understand how to use Docker.

Read: What is Ansible? Ansible Tutorial Guide for Beginners

1). Command to Install the Process

//sudo dnf install Docker

2). Command to Start the Process

sudo systemct1 start Docker

3). Command to Enable the Process

//sudo systemct1 enable Docker

The steps for other Linux versions same steps will be used for this.

4). How to Create a Container?

$ sudo Docker run –it busybox is /bin/

• Name: We use Docker to create the containers and users can give a new and unique name to these containers. Docker can also give a default name to the Docker.
• It: It stands for interactive. This terminal gets connected to virtual TTY and so the running processes get interacted to the output terminal.
• Busybox: The base image is used to create the container. It is like a zip file that contains the necessary files to deploy and develop the application.
• Echo: It is a command that usually executes the commands that are contained in the busybox.

5). Command to See the List of Cached Images

In Docker, when images are used for the first time, they are downloaded and cached to speed up the things. To check the local images, we can use the following command:

// sudo Docker images

6). Command to See Background Running Containers

The status of any of the background running container can be checked by the following command:

//sudo Docker ps

7). Command to Kill Running Containers

Following command can be used to stop a container:

Sudo Docker stop [name of your container]

#example

Sudo Docker stop snooze

A running container is stopped through this command and the container is kept in cache even after deletion. The same command is executed again by the following command:

Sudo Docker start snooze

Read: What is Chef? Chef Tutorial Guide for Beginner

8). The Command to Check Container Existence

The existence of any container can be checked by the following command:

Docker ps

All running containers can be enlisted by following the above command. While to display, running and non-running containers can be checked by the following command:

Docker ps –a

9). Mounting Process

The –v parameter is used to map or mount a folder to the host that is also a folder inside any container. For this first time, we will have to create a file:

Echo ‘Hello world’ >hello

By using an external text editor of busybox, we can open the file through the following command:

//sudo Docker run –it busybox vi hello

Here, no output will be displayed as ‘vi’ will call an isolated process and will not be able to access any external file that is outside of the container area. Here, in such situation, we will have to mount the desired file and it will be done through the following command:

#the :z in /app:z -> is for SELinux, non-Linux can ignore this //sudo Docker run –it –v “$(pwd)” :/app:z busybox vi app/text

By the above command, an actual folder with the name $pwd will be mounted to the: /aa folder of the container. In case, if the container does not exist then it will be created. Following options can also be used with this command:

• -v option: It will overwrite any pre-existing folder of the container. In case, if it already exists then it will be replaced by the newer ones.
• This command can access your system as well and the system resources will be used through this command
• As the changes done by this command are done to the folder, so even if the container gets killed then even the changes will be persisted.

So, we are sure that now you are aware about the Docker basics!

How are Companies Adapting to Docker?

Companies have found ways to adapt to Docker. It is a technology dominantly used by frontline companies to make the environment convenient for the developers. By experiencing the benefits of the platform, developers have got the hang of the tool and have a better experience with DevOps. Here are a few ways how companies found their ways around the tool.

1). Company-wide Adoption is not Happening Overnight

The adoption is not happening overnight. Companies do not entertain unrealistic expectations. Initially, companies used to run Docker Development and a non-Docker project first. Docker was used for development on small projects, and gradually it was adopted in bigger ones. Companies are progressively moving towards the complete adoption of Docker.

2). Use Docker in Workflow and Deployment

Docker is not limited to deployment only. Docker is used in workflows such as during development. It helps set up the environment and save time for new developers to start projects in their preferred programming language. Docker is used in different stages and gives developers a chance to try new technologies. It integrates the continuous deployment and allows collaboration between the team members to share docker images. The company uses Docker to improve workflow.

3). Providing Incentives for Using Docker

Initially, developers were sceptical about using new technology. Companies adapted to Docker by providing an incentive to the developers, and companies mostly encouraged the developers to use it for development deployment and production. The organic usage of Toka only comes when developers think that that new technology is helpful for their work.

4). A Proper Setup to Use Docker

Docker can simplify the environment setup and configuration. It is still a good idea to have docker setup instructions. An in-house team is dedicated to the companies to answer the questions.

No that you are aware of the fact how companies have adapted to Docker, making a career with this skill-set in hand will take to far ahead. Leran more about the right career path and certifications in our next section.

Now, let’s find out how much ROI you can expect after you learn Docker.

So, don’t go anywhere, stay there for another 5 minutes!

Docker Tutorial - Career Path After Learning Docker

About 8 years ago Docker claimed to run containers anywhere irrespective of the infrastructure or the environment. But every year Docker has proved its benefit in various stages of software development.

Docker certification is a legit career path now. The container ecosystem seems to be growing bigger than ever. Docker in devops is used in almost all the consultancies. It has a huge contribution in creating unmatchable microservices based applications. Docker basics can help you move ahead in your career.

So, who can learn Docker? Any beginner with good understanding about Linux operation system can learn the Docker basics and continue advanced-level certifications. However, for advanced certifications, one must have experience working on Amazon EC2. Microsoft Azure, Rackspace, etc. After completing the certifications, lucrative career opportunities are waiting for you!

Developers with expertise in Docker and prior certifications can earn around $56K - $110K at a junior level. With experience they can earn $114,00 on an average.

Learn Docker basics through useful docker tutorials and have a flourishing career in the technological arena.

Finally……..

In short, Docker can run many applications by using the same hardware. Developers can create ready to run container applications through Docker. It has made deploying and managing applications quite easier.

Every enterprise that is using DevOps can use Docker so that it can deliver an efficient and quick application to its customers. Any size of the Company can deliver such amazing applications by using the DevOps Docker tool.

If you have thought of having a flourishing career in DevOps, you must know what docker is and how to use it. Read Docker tutorials and have a fair idea of how it functions. You can now learn the Docker basics to have a clear understanding of the field.

With amazing career prospects and salary, you can have a stable career in the field. You can also work on live projects using the tool to have an expert outlook towards it.

With this DevOps Tutorial guide for the beginners, you have the basic idea about the tool and basic commands too that can be used to set up an application. To know more about the tool and to use it practically for your next project, you are recommended to join the respective course certification training program online at JanBask Training now.

Till then feel free to comment and ask questions about Docker. We will respond you soon!

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