🔹 LEVEL 3: Containers
Docker deep dive + Kubernetes essentials. Focus on what cloud engineers actually use in production—not everything Kubernetes can do.
🐳 Docker Resources
📖 Docker Official Documentation Industry Bible
Why this resource: Free, comprehensive, always up-to-date. Written by Docker themselves.
What you'll learn:
- Container fundamentals and Docker architecture
- Images, containers, volumes, networks
- Docker Compose for multi-container apps
- Security best practices
- Production deployment patterns
Format: Free online documentation with tutorials
Read Docker Docs🎥 Docker Full Course - Simplilearn Fine for Video
Why this works: Good visual complement to the book. Demonstrates Docker commands in action.
Use case: Watch while reading Docker Deep Dive for reinforcement
Watch on YouTube⚠️ Kubernetes: DOWNSCOPE
Full K8s deep dive is NOT required for cloud engineer entry roles.
Most companies want you to understand Kubernetes concepts, not be a K8s specialist. Save the deep dive for after you're hired.
❌ REMOVED: Full Kubernetes Deep Dive
Why removed: Too much too soon. You'll learn K8s on the job. Focus on fundamentals now.
✅ Kubernetes - LIMIT TO BASICS
✅ Kubernetes Basics - TechWorld with Nana Concepts Only
Why this course: Nana explains complex concepts clearly. Focus on understanding, not mastering.
What you'll learn (LIMITED SCOPE):
- Pod: The smallest deployable unit
- Deployment: How to scale and update pods
- Service: How pods communicate
- Ingress: External access to services
- Basic kubectl commands
What to SKIP for now: StatefulSets, DaemonSets, Operators, Helm deep dive
Watch Crash Course (1 hour)🎮 Hands-On Platform
Play with Docker Free & Interactive
Why this platform: Browser-based Docker environment. Great for testing Docker Compose configurations and practicing without local setup.
Use for: Docker commands, multi-container setups, networking experiments
Try Play with DockerHands-On Projects
Project 1: Dockerize a Full-Stack Application
- Create Dockerfile for a web app (Node.js/Python/Go)
- Create Dockerfile for a database (PostgreSQL/MySQL)
- Write docker-compose.yml for the stack
- Configure volumes for data persistence
- Set up custom networks
- Implement health checks
Deliverable: GitHub repo with multi-container app running via
docker-compose up
Project 2: Container Registry & Deployment
- Build and tag your Docker images
- Push to Docker Hub
- Pull and run on a remote server
- Set up automated builds (Docker Hub or GitHub Actions)
Project 3: Basic Kubernetes Deployment (Optional)
- Set up local K8s cluster (minikube or Docker Desktop)
- Deploy your containerized app
- Create deployment and service YAML files
- Scale pods up and down
- Expose service externally
Note: Keep this simple. Demonstrate understanding, not expertise.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: Docker Fundamentals
- Read Docker Deep Dive chapters 1-5
- Install Docker locally
- Practice: Images, containers, basic commands
- Use Killercoda for experiments
Week 2: Docker Advanced
- Read chapters 6-10
- Learn Docker Compose
- Practice: Volumes, networks, multi-container apps
- Start Project 1
Week 3: Kubernetes Basics
- Watch Kubernetes Crash Course (Nana)
- Set up local K8s environment
- Practice: Pods, Deployments, Services
- Complete Project 1
Week 4: Integration & Deployment
- Complete Project 2
- Optionally complete Project 3
- Publish to Docker Hub
- Document on GitHub with README
🧠 Output Check (Non-negotiable)
- Write a Dockerfile from scratch for a simple web app
- Create a docker-compose.yml for a multi-container application
- Explain the difference between images and containers
- Debug container issues using logs and exec
- Understand Docker networking (bridge, host, overlay basics)
- Explain what a Pod, Deployment, and Service are in Kubernetes
- Deploy a simple app to a local K8s cluster
Ensure you have working Docker projects on GitHub and can explain container concepts clearly. Proceed to LEVEL 4: Infrastructure as Code.
Cloud Roadmap 2026 • Educational Use Only
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