Course content
Read an excerpt from the PDF book
How does Docker help?
How long does it take to install web development dependencies?
A typical WordPress installation requires Apache, PHP, MySQL, and the application itself. Docker can have those dependencies installed in minutes with a single command. That environment can be replicated or adapted for similar projects.
Other benefits of Docker include…
- dependencies are isolated: other than disk space, your PC is not changed. You can run multiple versions of the same software at the same time, e.g. MySQL v5 and v8.
- your web app is portable: it can be transferred to another developer or device and will work identically.
- dependencies are lightweight: they can be started, stopped, removed, or reinstalled at any time.
- older dependencies are supported: your app can continue to use the same software forever.
- use the same tools and workflows: you can code and experiment without risk.
- deployments are more robust: your app can be launched on live servers and scaled according to demand
Despite this, Docker is often shunned by web developers.
It's considered too technical, unnecessary, or something for DevOps experts. Terminology and resources can be impenetrable and tutorials rarely explain how to use Docker during development.
Docker is the most useful web development tool you're not using
"Docker for Web Developers" offers a concise and practical book and video guide. You'll be using Docker in minutes and can progress at your own pace.
Course topics
You don't need to know any particular technology – the Docker examples can be adapted to your own stack.
The content includes:
- a brief introduction to Docker benefits, concepts, and terminology
- installation of Docker and Docker Compose on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- how to run MySQL and the Adminer PHP database client using Docker and Docker Compose
- how to create a full WordPress theme/plugin development environment
- how to build a simple Node.js "Hello World" application
- how to create a complex quiz application using NGINX, MongoDB, Node.js, and client-side build tools
- how to make live code updates and debug using VS Code and browser DevTools
- how to push applications to Docker Hub
- how to deploy to production servers using Docker Swarm and Kubernetes
- appendices with the most useful Docker, Docker Compose, and Dockerfile commands with resource links for further assistance.
Is this course for you?
The course is for web developers with no previous knowledge of Docker. An understanding of how web technologies mesh together is useful:
- web browsers and client-side HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- web servers and language runtimes (e.g. Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby, Go, Rust, .NET, etc.)
- other dependencies, such as databases (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, MongoDB, etc.)
If you've ever built and launched a web site, you know enough to get started with Docker.
About your tutor
I'm Craig Buckler, a freelance UK web developer and technical author.
I've worked on the web for more than twenty years creating successful projects for large and small organisations. My courses and training materials include:
- more than 1,200 articles and tutorials for SitePoint.com
- books including Jump Start Web Performance, Browser Devtool Secrets, and contributions to many others.
- video courses for O'Reilly
- conference talks
FAQs
- Do I need to know specific languages or technologies?
- No! Examples may refer to PHP, Node.js, MySQL, MongoDB etc. but you don't need to understand the code or have experience with those technologies. Docker concepts apply to whatever stack you're using.
- How do I watch the videos?
- You stream them online in your web browser so they're available everywhere. They're viewable on desktop or mobile devices.
- Can I download the videos?
- If you're buying copies for lots of people in your organisation, contact me and I'll provide downloads.
- Will the course be updated if Docker changes?
- Yes – for at least two years after launch. You'll be alerted about the update and can download resources again.
- How much does it cost?
- $99 US dollars for the full book and video course, plus your country's sales tax where applicable.
- Can I purchase the books or videos separately?
- Yes, for $60 each. I recommend buying both: the book contains more information, but some concepts can be easier to follow on video.
- Is that a one-off charge?
- Yes, that's it. Pay once and you have the course forever.
- How do I pay?
- You can safely pay by credit card, most debit cards, and PayPal. Prices are charged in US dollars which are converted to your currency by your payment provider. A "Gumroad" transaction will be shown on your statement.
- Can I get a VAT/sales tax receipt?
- Yes. Enter your business ID on the payment form or click the receipt link in the email.
- Is the course available in my language?
- It's English with US spellings. I have a reasonably clear neutral British accent, but see the sample book and videos to check!
- Is the course available in my country?
- Probably. You can buy in more than 160 countries, but contact me directly if you have any problems in your location.
- Can I sell or share the course with others?
- Please don't! Each copy is licensed to an individual person. Contact me to become an affiliate and earn money by promoting the course.
- What if I don't like the course?
- I want you to be completely satisfied and excited about using Docker in your web development projects. If not, contact me with your feedback and you'll get a full refund.
Buy “Docker for Web Developers”
Purchase the book, video, example code, and private chat room access for $99:
get the book only or videos only for $60
plus your country's taxes where applicable
You'll receive an email with a link to the book downloads, videos, example code, and receipts. The course will also be available in your Gumroad library.
An invite to the private chat room will be emailed to you within a couple of days.
Please contact me if you have any problems, queries, or comments.