TECHNICAL3 Stages0 enrolled
Docker & Kubernetes
A structured, node-by-node learning curriculum designed to guide you from core foundations to production-grade mastery.
ECreated by ExplorerSep 7, 2026
6 Modules33 Milestones3 Phases
Curriculum Blueprint (3 Phases)
1Beginner
2 modules
Beginner
2 modules
Docker Essentials
- Introduction to ContainerizationUnderstand the fundamental problems containers solve and their core benefits over traditional virtualization.Can you define what a container is?What are the key differences between VMs and containers?Identify core use cases for containerization.
- Docker Installation and SetupInstall Docker Engine on a local machine and verify its correct operation for development.Can you install Docker Desktop on your OS?Verify Docker daemon is running correctly.Run a basic 'hello-world' container.
- Working with Docker ImagesUnderstand the concept of Docker images, how to find them, and manage them locally.Can you explain what a Docker image is?Pull an image from Docker Hub.List local images and remove them.
- Running and Managing ContainersLaunch, interact with, and stop Docker containers effectively using CLI commands.Can you run a container in interactive mode?Attach to a running container.Stop and remove containers.
- Container Data ManagementPersist and share data between containers and the host system using volumes and bind mounts.Can you explain the difference between volumes and bind mounts?Mount a host directory into a container.Create and use a named Docker volume.
- Networking ContainersConfigure network connectivity for containers, enabling communication between them and with external services.Can you create a custom Docker network?Connect containers to a custom network.Expose container ports to the host.
Building and Orchestrating Single-Host Applications
- Writing DockerfilesConstruct Dockerfiles to define custom images for applications and automate image creation.Can you write a Dockerfile for a simple application?Build an image from a Dockerfile.Optimize Dockerfile layers.
- Docker Compose FundamentalsUse Docker Compose to define and run multi-container Docker applications efficiently on a single host.Can you write a basic `docker-compose.yml` file?Start and stop an application with Compose.Manage Compose-defined services.
- Multi-container Application DeploymentDeploy a complete web application consisting of multiple Docker containers using Docker Compose.Can you deploy a web app with a database?Scale individual services within Compose.Update running services.
- Introduction to RegistriesUnderstand the role of image registries and interact with Docker Hub for sharing and retrieving images.Can you log in to Docker Hub?Push a custom image to a registry.Pull a specific image from a private registry.
2Intermediate
2 modules
Intermediate
2 modules
Docker Swarm for Orchestration
- Docker Swarm ArchitectureUnderstand the components and structure of a Docker Swarm cluster for multi-host container orchestration.Can you explain Swarm Manager and Worker roles?Identify how Swarm achieves high availability.Describe the overlay network concept.
- Swarm Cluster ManagementInitialize a Docker Swarm, add and remove nodes, and manage its overall health and configuration.Can you initialize a new Swarm cluster?Add a worker node to an existing Swarm.Promote a worker to a manager.
- Deploying Services in SwarmDeploy applications as services on a Docker Swarm cluster using service definitions.Can you create a Swarm service from an image?Scale a service to multiple replicas.Update a running service image.
- Scaling and Load Balancing Swarm ServicesScale services to meet demand and understand how Swarm handles load balancing automatically.Can you scale a service horizontally?Explain Swarm's built-in load balancing.Access a scaled service through an ingress network.
- Secrets and Configuration Management in SwarmSecurely manage sensitive data and application configurations within a Docker Swarm environment.Can you create a Docker secret?Mount a secret into a service container.Create a Docker config.
- Updating and Rollbacks in SwarmPerform controlled updates and implement rollback strategies for services deployed on Docker Swarm.Can you update a service with a new image version?Trigger a service rollback.Configure update policies.
Kubernetes Foundations
- Introduction to KubernetesUnderstand the origin, goals, and core principles of Kubernetes as a container orchestration platform.Can you define Kubernetes?Identify key problems Kubernetes solves.Explain its open-source nature.
- Kubernetes Architecture ComponentsIdentify and describe the main components of a Kubernetes cluster, including the control plane and worker nodes.Can you name the components of the control plane?Describe the roles of Kubelet and Kube-proxy.Explain the function of `etcd`.
- Minikube and Local ClustersSet up a local Kubernetes cluster using tools like Minikube for development and learning purposes.Can you install Minikube?Start and stop a local Kubernetes cluster.Access the Kubernetes dashboard.
- `kubectl` CLI UsageMaster the `kubectl` command-line tool for interacting with and managing Kubernetes clusters.Can you list Kubernetes resources?Apply a manifest file.View logs of a running container.
- Pods: The Basic Building BlockUnderstand the fundamental unit of deployment in Kubernetes, the Pod, and its lifecycle.Can you define a Pod?Create a simple Pod with a single container.Understand multi-container Pods (sidecars).
3Advanced
2 modules
Advanced
2 modules
Core Kubernetes Resource Management
- Deployments and ReplicaSetsOrchestrate application rollout, scaling, and self-healing using Deployments and their underlying ReplicaSets.Can you create a Deployment manifest?Scale a Deployment horizontally.Perform a rolling update.
- Services and IngressExpose applications running in Pods to internal and external consumers using various Service types and Ingress controllers.Can you create a ClusterIP Service?Expose an application using a NodePort Service.Configure an Ingress resource for HTTP routing.
- Storage in Kubernetes (PVs, PVCs)Provision and manage persistent storage for stateful applications using PersistentVolumes and PersistentVolumeClaims.Can you define a PersistentVolume (PV)?Create a PersistentVolumeClaim (PVC).Mount a PVC into a Pod.
- ConfigMaps and Secrets ManagementManage application configuration data and sensitive information securely within Kubernetes.Can you create a ConfigMap from literal data?Mount a ConfigMap as a file in a Pod.Create a Kubernetes Secret.
- Networking in KubernetesDeep dive into Kubernetes networking model, including Pod-to-Pod communication, Service networking, and network policies.Can you explain the flat network model?Debug Pod network connectivity.Apply a NetworkPolicy resource.
- StatefulSetsManage stateful applications that require stable network identities and persistent storage using StatefulSets.Can you define a StatefulSet?Deploy a simple stateful application.Understand Pod identity and ordering.
Kubernetes Operations and Advanced Concepts
- Observability: Logging and MonitoringImplement comprehensive logging, monitoring, and alerting solutions for applications and the Kubernetes cluster itself.Can you retrieve Pod logs?Deploy a basic monitoring stack.Understand metrics collection.
- Advanced Scheduling and Node ManagementOptimize Pod placement and manage node resources efficiently using advanced scheduling features and node taints/tolerations.Can you apply resource limits to Pods?Use node selectors for Pod placement.Configure Taints and Tolerations.
- Security Best PracticesImplement security best practices for Kubernetes clusters and applications, including access control and hardening.Can you define Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)?Create a Service Account.Scan container images for vulnerabilities.
- Helm for Package ManagementUse Helm to define, install, and upgrade even the most complex Kubernetes applications.Can you install Helm?Deploy an application using a Helm chart.Upgrade a deployed Helm release.
- CI/CD Integration with KubernetesIntegrate Kubernetes into a Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for automated application delivery.Can you explain CI/CD principles?Automate Docker image builds.Trigger Kubernetes deployments from a pipeline.
- Production Readiness and TroubleshootingPrepare Kubernetes deployments for production environments, focusing on reliability, monitoring, and effective troubleshooting.Can you identify common Kubernetes deployment issues?Configure liveness and readiness probes.Perform basic cluster diagnostics.
Milestones Along the Way
- Docker Essentials
- Building and Orchestrating Single-Host Applications
- Docker Swarm for Orchestration
- Kubernetes Foundations
- Core Kubernetes Resource Management
- Kubernetes Operations and Advanced Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Docker & Kubernetes roadmap?
The Docker & Kubernetes roadmap is a free, step-by-step learning path for TECHNICAL. It is organized into 3 phases spanning 6 modules and 33 milestones, guiding you from foundations to advanced mastery.
How do I learn with a roadmap?
Enroll for free to clone the roadmap into your interactive workspace. Work through each phase, module, and milestone, check off topics as you go, and open the linked courses to go deeper on each subject.
Who is Docker & Kubernetes for?
The roadmap is built for self-learners who want a guided path. Because it is broken into beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages, you can follow it start-to-finish or jump to the stage that matches your current level.
Is this roadmap really free?
Yes. Docker & Kubernetes lives in the Route Radiant community library and is completely free to clone and follow. Your workspace, progress, and linked lessons stay in your account.
Ready to Master Docker & Kubernetes?
Clone this interactive path into your private workspace, track milestone completion, and unlock AI lesson deep dives.