7 Docker Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Drawing from extensive production operations experience, Sean P. Kane and Karl Matthias offer an updated exploration of Docker's role in modern software delivery. You’ll gain a clear grasp of container fundamentals, including building OCI images and deploying Linux containers at scale, alongside advanced topics like security, orchestration, and integration with cloud and Kubernetes. The book doesn’t just explain commands; it shows how to embed containers effectively in your workflow, making it ideal for developers, operators, and technical managers who want to move beyond basics to reliable, production-ready container usage. For example, chapters on BuildKit and rootless containers highlight recent Docker innovations that improve security and efficiency.

When Elton Stoneman first recognized the growing demand for practical Docker skills across diverse IT environments, he crafted this book to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on application. You’ll progress through 22 concise lessons that teach how to run containers by chapter two and package applications by chapter three, covering everything from building images to deploying multi-container apps with Docker Compose. This book is particularly suited for IT professionals wanting to master containerization without wading through unnecessary complexity. By the end, you’ll confidently handle Docker on Linux, Windows, or Mac, preparing you for production-ready deployment and orchestration challenges.

This tailored Docker Mastery Blueprint explores essential container workflows and deployment techniques with a focus that matches your background and goals. It examines core Docker concepts and advances into personalized pathways through complex container orchestration and image management. By integrating foundational knowledge with nuanced deployment scenarios, this book reveals how to master Docker in a way that aligns with your specific interests and skill level. The tailored content ensures you gain practical understanding and confidence in managing containerized applications efficiently, making your learning experience both relevant and engaging.

Nigel Poulton brings his extensive experience as a technologist to this practical guide, aiming to simplify Docker for both newcomers and seasoned developers. You’ll learn how to build container images, deploy multi-container apps using Compose and Swarm, and work with emerging technologies like Wasm containers. The chapters on Docker Scout and Docker Debug provide up-to-date insights into managing containers effectively in cloud-native environments. If you want to build secure, production-grade containers and understand the latest Docker tools, this book delivers clear, hands-on knowledge without unnecessary complexity.

Drawing from their extensive experience transforming DevOps at OpenBet, Ian Miell and Aidan Hobson Sayers offer over 100 tested Docker techniques that go beyond the basics to enhance your workflow. You’ll explore practical approaches like replacing virtual machines with containers, implementing microservices architecture, and streamlining continuous delivery pipelines. Chapters on network simulation and Docker security provide nuanced insights for production environments. This book suits developers and engineers ready to deepen their Docker skills with real-world, immediately applicable solutions.

Nitin Sharma, with his extensive background as a Product Security Engineer and Information Security Researcher, brings a focused lens to container security in this book. He dives into the specific attack patterns targeting Docker containers, such as malware threats like Doki and Kinsing, and challenges the reliance on outdated security systems. You'll gain hands-on experience through exercises and tools designed to harden your container environments, making complex security concepts approachable. Whether you're responsible for cloud infrastructure or DevOps, this book helps you understand the nuances of container vulnerabilities and how to build a resilient defense strategy.

This tailored book offers a personalized, step-by-step exploration of Docker designed to match your pace and learning goals. It covers foundational concepts such as containerization principles and Docker architecture, while guiding you through practical tasks like building images, managing containers, and orchestrating multi-container applications. The book adapts its content to your background, focusing on the areas you want to master within a clear 30-day structure. By synthesizing key Docker knowledge into a tailored learning path, it reveals the progression from beginner to proficient user with hands-on examples and real-world scenarios. This approach lets you absorb complex topics efficiently and confidently.

What started as Saibal Ghosh's extensive experience with databases and cloud security became a deep dive into Docker and containerization technologies. This book walks you through the fundamentals of containers versus virtual machines, the inner workings of Docker images and storage, and practical techniques for deploying and managing containerized applications using Docker Swarm. You gain detailed knowledge about Docker networking models and security features, including enterprise-grade protections. If you're aiming to build, deploy, or secure applications with Docker, this guide provides concrete explanations and examples, especially helpful for developers and IT professionals transitioning to container-based workflows.

Nigel Poulton’s experience as a technologist shines through in this approachable guide designed to get you hands-on with Docker quickly. You won’t find abstract theory here; instead, the book walks you through installing Docker, running containers, and deploying multi-container apps using Docker Compose, making complex concepts tangible. It explains why Docker matters today and hints at its future, helping you grasp containerization's practical impact. If you’re new to Docker and want to start building real skills without prior experience, this book lays out the essentials clearly and pragmatically.