10 Best Books on Docker for Beginners in 2024
Docker’s logo is of a boat to allude to a dock for boats.
Docker is an open-source containerization tool that is used to create, deploy and run applications inside a container. It does this by virtualizing the operating system of the computer on which it is installed and running.
Are you looking for the best Docker books? This article covers must-read Docker books that suit your requirements. Let's get started!
Why Learn Docker
Docker is an incredible and powerful tool with amazing features. Here are a few reasons why programmers and developers should learn Docker:
Most of the heavy lifting is already done: The Docker community maintains the images at Docker Hub. This means setting up complete application environments is a simple one-line command. Instead of taking the time to set up the system your app requires, you can devote your precious time to developing your application.
It's easy! Truly, Docker is a time-saving tool that is easy to learn and integrate into your environment. It makes things easier by building applications and shipping them into containers without the need to deploy your application, OS, database, runtimes separately.
Using the ecosystem: You can use Docker with multiple external tools like configuration management tools, orchestration tools, file storage technologies, logging software, monitoring tools, self-healing tools, etc.
In-demand technical skill: With every small and big organization going towards the Cloud, the container model is going to be even more critical to learn in the coming years. Docker will play a significant role in deploying and running software from Cloud. You can become indispensable to any company by learning Docker.
What Makes Best Docker Books?
When looking for the best books to learn Docker, one question to ask is this: what makes the best Docker books?
Here are our criteria to select Docker books:
It must have a structured, clear, and logical progression of topics.
The book is concise and easy to understand.
Contain exercises, examples, and practice problems for hands-on experience.
Engaging and able to hold the attention of readers.
The book should have a clear layout and must be friendly toward self-taught programmers.
Best Books on Docker
When it comes to learning Docker, books have become the best source for learning it. Enjoy our list of six best books on Docker.
1. Best book for beginners: Docker Deep Dive
Docker Deep Dive: Zero to Docker in a single book by Nigel Poulton is the ultimate book for learning Docker. You will understand Docker and its components step by step in a very structured and practical way.
This book is an excellent introduction to Docker. You will gain a solid understanding of what Docker is, how it works, and why it works the way it does. Here's what you will get from the book:
Become familiar with the applications of Docker and containers
Discover how to pull images into Docker host's local registry
Find out how to containerize an app
Build and test a Docker overlay network in the swarm mode
Use Docker compose to deploy and manage multi-container applications
Securely share sensitive data with containers and Swarm services
By the end of the book, you will be well-versed in Docker and containers and have developed the skills to create, deploy, and run applications on the cloud.
2. Best book for serious learners: Docker: Up & Running
Docker: Up & Running by Sean Kane and Karl Matthias dives into the practical side of Docker. It teaches you how to package applications and maintain internal dependencies. The book tackles Docker concepts like how to keep internal dependencies, package applications, and maintain a consistent project environment during local testing and deployment.
Here's what you will get from the book:
Learn how Docker simplifies dependency management and deployment workflow for your applications
Start working with Docker images, containers, and command-line tools
Use practical techniques to deploy and test Docker containers in production
Debug containers by understanding their composition and internal processes
Deploy production containers at scale inside your data center or cloud environment
Explore advanced Docker topics, including deployment tools, networking, orchestration, security, and configuration
If you are looking for a fun and approachable book on Docker, this book is for you.
3. Best book for hands-on learners: Docker in Action, Second Edition
Docker in Action by Jeff Nicoloff is a practical book with live examples and working exercises. It teaches you to create, deploy, and manage applications hosted in Docker containers running on Linux.
You'll start with a clear explanation of the Docker model. As you proceed, you will learn how to package applications in containers, including techniques for testing and distributing applications. The book is divided into three parts and thirteen chapters:
Chapter 1 introduces you to Docker
Part 1. Process isolation and environment-independent computing
Chapter 2 talks about running software in containers
Chapter 3 covers Software installation simplified
Chapter 4 talks about working with storage and volumes
Chapter 5 covers Single-host networking
Chapter 6 talks about limiting risk with resource controls
Part 2. Packaging software for distribution
Chapter 7 covers Packaging software in images
Chapter 8 talks about building images automatically with Dockerfiles
Chapter 9 talks about public and private software distribution
Chapter 10 covers Image pipelines
Part 3. Higher-level abstractions and orchestration
Chapter 11 talks about Services with Docker and Compose
Chapter 12 covers First-class configuration abstractions
Chapter 13 covers Orchestrating services on a cluster of Docker hosts with Swarm
More books you may like:
4. Best book for completionists: Learn Docker - Fundamentals of Docker 19.x
Learn Docker - Fundamentals of Docker 19.x by Gabriel N. Schenker explores the core functionality of containerizing your applications and making them production-ready. You will grasp basic to advanced Docker concepts with this comprehensive guide.
The reader will get acquainted with Docker containers, Docker images, orchestrators, cloud integration, and networking. The book will help you to simplify dependencies and deploy and test containers in production.
The topics covered in the book are:
What Are Containers and Why Should I Use Them?
Setting Up a Working Environment
Mastering Containers
Creating and Managing Container Images
Data Volumes and Configuration
Debugging Code Running in Containers
Using Docker to Supercharge Automation
Advanced Docker Usage Scenarios
Distributed Application Architecture
Single-Host Networking
Docker Compose
Orchestrators
Introduction to Docker Swarm
Zero-Downtime Deployments and Secrets
Introduction to Kubernetes
Deploying, Updating, and Securing an Application with Kubernetes
Monitoring and Troubleshooting an App Running in Production
Running a Containerized App in the Cloud
By the end of this book, you'll be able to build, ship, and run a containerized, highly distributed application on Docker Swarm.
5. Best book for practical learners: Docker in Practice, Second Edition
Docker in Practice by Ian Miell and Aidan Hobson Sayers teaches you how to look at problems and solve them using Docker’s main components and 3rd party extensions. You will explore real-world use cases that you can apply to a whole range of scenarios.
In this book, you’ll find over 100 lessons presented in the problem/solution format. The book is divided into four parts:
Part 1 - Docker Fundamentals
Discovering Docker
Understanding Docker: Inside the engine room
Part 2 - Docker And Development
Using Docker as a lightweight virtual machine
Building images
Running containers
Day-to-day Docker
Configuration management: Getting your house in order
Part 3 - Docker And Devops
Continuous integration: Speeding up your development pipeline
Continuous delivery: A perfect fit for Docker principles
Network simulation: Realistic environment testing without the pain
Part 4 - Orchestration From A Single Machine To The Cloud
A primer on container orchestration
The data center as an OS with Docker
Docker platforms
Part 5 - Docker In Production
Docker and security
Plain sailing: Running Docker in production
Docker in production: Dealing with challenges
This is a must-have guide to understanding, setting up, and administering Docker!
6. Best book for DevOps engineers: Docker for Developers
Docker for Developers: Develop and run your application with Docker containers using DevOps tools by Richard Bullington-McGuire helps you understand how to make a deployment workflow run smoothly with Docker containers. You will gain insights into using various Docker tools and libraries.
The book will help you understand Docker containers from scratch and take you through best practices. The book also shows you how to address security concerns. Here's what you will learn from the book:
Get up to speed with creating containers and understand how they work
Package and deploy your containers to a variety of platforms
Work with containers in the cloud and on the Kubernetes platform
Deploy and then monitor the health and logs of running containers
Explore best practices for working with containers from a security perspective
Become familiar with scanning containers and using third-party security tools and libraries
The 468-page book is divided into the following chapters
Introduction to Docker
Using VirtualBox and Docker Containers for Development
Sharing Containers Using Docker Hub
Composing Systems Using Containers
Alternatives for Deploying and Running Containers in Production
Deploying Applications with Docker Compose
Continuous Deployment with Jenkins
Deploying Docker Apps to Kubernetes
Cloud-Native Continuous Deployment Using Spinnaker
Monitoring Docker Using Prometheus, Grafana, and Jaeger
Scaling and Load Testing Docker Applications
Introduction to Container Security
Docker Security Fundamentals and Best Practices
Advanced Docker Security – Secrets, Secret Commands, Tagging, and Labels
Scanning, Monitoring, and Using Third-Party Tools
Conclusion – End of the Road, but not the Journey
By the end of the Docker book, you'll be able to work in a container-driven environment confidently. Also, you can easily use Docker for both new and existing projects.
7. Best Book for Dummies: Getting Started with Docker
Getting Started with Docker by Nigel Poulton teaches you what Docker is, why it's so important, and where it's going in the future. You’ll get hands-on experience using Docker to deploy and manage multi-container microservices apps.
You'll perform all of the following hands-on tasks:
Install Docker
Run your first container
Containerize a sample app
Work with Docker Hub
Deploy and manage a multi-container app with Docker Compose
Deploy a WebAssembly app with Docker
The examples are well laid out and easy to follow. The concepts are explained clearly and concisely and do a great job at helping you build a solid foundation. I highly recommend buying this book if you are learning Docker or as a refresher.
8. Best Book for Devops Teams: Docker: Practical Guide for Developers and Devops Teams
Docker: Practical Guide for Developers and Devops Teams by Bernd Ogg offers a thorough introduction to the Docker platform, including basic syntax and common commands. The practice exercises will help you apply what you learn over the course of the book to real-world scenarios. You’ll work with Grafana and GitLab, configure security, manage containers with Kubernetesand Swarm, create CI/CD pipelines, and much more!
Here’s what you’ll get from the book:
Get hands-on practice with Docker, from setup to orchestration
Work with Dockerfiles, the docker compose command, GitLab, and Docker Hub
Learn about project migration, security, Kubernetes, and more
Consult and download practical code examples
The book will walk you through key Docker principles, explaining how to run containers, store data, set up container communication, and more. Then learn how images function in Docker. You’ll see how to use the docker and docker-compose commands in a meaningful way and understand the syntax of the Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml files.
The book helps you develop modern web applications and transform existing projects with Docker by following step-by-step exercises. With information about installation, security, and operations, this book will be useful for any member of a DevOps team working on a Docker project.
9. Best Book for Developers: The Ultimate Docker Container Book - Third Edition
The Ultimate Docker Container Book - Third Edition teaches you to build, test, ship, and run containers with Docker and Kubernetes. You'll uncover Docker fundamentals and how containers improve software supply chain efficiency and enhance security.
Here’s what you’ll learn from the book:
Understand the benefits of using containers
Manage Docker containers effectively
Create and manage Docker images
Explore data volumes and environment variables
Master distributed application architecture
Deep dive into Docker networking
Use Docker Compose for multi-service apps
Deploy apps on major cloud platforms
The topics covered in the book are:
Chapter 1 talks about What Are Containers and Why Should I Use Them?
Chapter 2 talks about Setting Up a Working Environment
Chapter 3 covers Mastering Containers
Chapter 4 talks about Creating and Managing Container Images
Chapter 5 covers Data Volumes and Configuration
Chapter 6 talks about Debugging Code Running in Containers
Chapter 7 covers Testing Applications Running in Containers
Chapter 8 talks about Increasing Productivity with Docker Tips and Tricks
Chapter 9 talks about Learning about Distributed Application Architecture
Chapter 10 talks about Using Single-Host Networking
Chapter 11 talks about Managing Containers with Docker Compose
Chapter 12 talks about Shipping Logs and Monitoring Containers
Chapter 13 talks about Introducing Container Orchestration
Chapter 14 talks about Introducing Docker Swarm
Chapter 15 talks aboutDeploying and Running a Distributed Application on Docker Swarm
Chapter 16 talks about Exploring Kubernetes
Chapter 17 talks about Deploying, Updating, and Securing an Application with Kubernetes
Chapter 18 talks about Running a Containerized Application in the Cloud
Chapter 19 covers Monitoring and Troubleshooting an Application Running in Production
While most of the book concentrates solely on Docker, the later elements do introduce some Kubernetes notes to expand and integrate your coding practices. By the end of this book, you'll be well-equipped to manage and scale containerized applications effectively. If you need a book that contains everything about Docker, this book is for you!
10. Containers for Developers Handbook
Containers for Developers Handbook by Francisco Javier Ramírez Urea teaches you how to create and manage complex multi-component applications based on Docker containers. You’ll gain a clear understanding of software containers from the SecDevOps perspective. The book prepares your applications to run smoothly and with ease in complex container orchestrators.
There are step-by-step instructions with explanations of exactly what’s going on during each operation. Here’s what you’ll learn from the book:
Find out how to build microservices-based applications using containers
Deploy your processes within containers using Docker features
Orchestrate multi-component applications on standalone servers
Deploy applications cluster-wide in container orchestrators
Solve common deployment problems such as persistency or app exposure using best practices
Review your application's health and debug it using open-source tools
Discover how to orchestrate CI/CD workflows using containers
The topics covered in the book are:
Modern Infrastructure and Applications with Docker
Building Docker Images
Shipping Docker Images
Running Docker Containers
Creating Multi-Container Applications
Fundamentals of Orchestration
Orchestrating with Swarm
Deploying Applications with the Kubernetes Orchestrator
Implementing Architecture Patterns
Leveraging Application Data Management in Kubernetes
Publishing Applications
Gaining Application Insights
Managing the Application Life Cycle
Each chapter ends with a lab section and a summary of the content covered. Each lab section lasts 10-15 pages in every chapter with a set problem, discuss approaches, and walks the reader through basic solutions. Overall, the book is an excellent reference and training tool for any organization working with containers. I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with containers regularly.
More ways to learn Docker
It’s a known fact that programmers and developers are lifelong learners. These six best Docker books provide a broad tour of Docker from several different points of view.
If you are not really into books you can check out these courses:
Top Docker courses on Udemy:
Docker for the Absolute Beginners- hands-on DevOps on Udemy. It’s a great course with a lot of exercises to learn essential Docker commands. You will also learn how to compose files with exercise and understand Docker swarm in detail.
Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide on Udemy. The course helps you build, test, and deploy Docker applications with Kubernetes while learning production-style development workflows.
Top Docker courses on Coursera:
Introduction to Containers w/ Docker, Kubernetes & OpenShift on coursera. It helps you to build applications in a cloud native way using containerization tools and technologies, and deploy your applications in any public, private or hybrid cloud at incredible scale.
Docker for absolute beginners on Coursera. In this Guided Project, you will understand docker architecture, learn Docker commands to manage images, containers, volumes, and networks, and deploy a web application as a docker container.
If you’re interested in free online resources, we have got something for you! Check out our article for over 70 coding resources that are free online.
Thanks so much for reading and I will see you in the next article.