Getting Started with Docker
Containerisation is reshaping how teams deploy applications—and Docker is the industry standard. This course cuts through the noise and gets you shipping containers in under 90 minutes, with real hands-on labs you can run immediately.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for developers and DevOps newcomers who need Docker literacy without the fluff. Nigel Poulton’s teaching is direct and practical. The main trade-off: you’ll need foundational Linux/command-line comfort to get the most from it.
What This Course Covers
You’ll start with containerisation concepts—why Docker matters, how it differs from VMs, and the core architecture. Then you’ll move into practical territory: pulling images, running containers, working with ports and volumes, and understanding Dockerfiles. By the end, you’ll have hands-on experience with Pluralsight’s sandbox environment, so you’re not just watching—you’re doing.
The course emphasises real-world patterns: image layers, container lifecycle, and basic networking. Nigel’s approach is no-nonsense; he assumes you want to understand Docker’s fundamentals well enough to apply them on day one, whether you’re containerising a legacy app or supporting a microservices pipeline.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Junior developers: Need Docker competency for modern deployment pipelines and CI/CD workflows.
- DevOps engineers transitioning into containerisation: Require a solid conceptual foundation before tackling orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
- Tech leads evaluating container adoption: Want hands-on familiarity with Docker before recommending it to their team.
May not suit:
- Absolute Linux beginners: The course assumes comfort with command-line basics; you’ll struggle without prior shell experience.
- Enterprise architects seeking strategic overviews: This is tactical and hands-on, not a business-case or licensing discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Getting Started with Docker take?
1 hour 26 minutes of video content. Plan 2–3 hours total if you’re working through the hands-on labs.
Do I need Docker installed locally?
No. Pluralsight provides sandbox environments, so you can learn without setting up your own machine.
Will this prepare me for Kubernetes?
It gives you the Docker foundation you’ll need. Kubernetes requires additional learning, but this course is the logical first step.
Who is Nigel Poulton?
A respected Docker and Kubernetes authority with decades of infrastructure experience. He’s known for clear, practical teaching that avoids jargon.
Course by Nigel Poulton on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 26m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
