Play by Play: Docker for Java Developers with Arun Gupta and Michael Hoffman
Containerisation is no longer optional—it’s the baseline expectation for modern Java deployments. This play-by-play course walks you through Docker fundamentals and Java-specific patterns, so you can ship applications faster and eliminate ‘works on my machine’ problems.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for Java developers moving into DevOps or modernising legacy applications. You’ll gain practical Docker skills directly applicable to your next project. Note: assumes basic Java knowledge; doesn’t cover Kubernetes orchestration.
What This Course Covers
The course covers Docker essentials—images, containers, networking, and volumes—with Java-specific examples throughout. You’ll learn how to containerise Spring Boot applications, optimise Docker builds for JVM workloads, and troubleshoot common Java-in-Docker issues. The play-by-play format means you watch experts solve real problems step-by-step, not just theory.
Practical modules include building multi-stage Dockerfiles to reduce image size, managing dependencies in containers, and integrating Docker into your development workflow. By the end, you’ll confidently move Java applications from local development into containerised environments, understand layer caching strategies, and know when to use Docker Compose for multi-container setups.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Java backend developers: Transitioning to cloud-native development or preparing for microservices architecture.
- DevOps engineers supporting Java teams: Need hands-on Docker knowledge specific to JVM quirks and Java deployment patterns.
- Tech leads modernising legacy Java applications: Want to containerise existing codebases without rewriting—Docker is the pragmatic first step.
May not suit:
- Complete Docker beginners without Java experience: Course assumes you’re comfortable with Java; heavy focus on Java-specific Docker patterns.
- Kubernetes-focused engineers: This covers Docker fundamentals only; doesn’t address orchestration or production Kubernetes deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Play by Play: Docker for Java Developers with Arun Gupta and Michael Hoffman take?
1 hour 58 minutes. Designed for focused learning—you can complete it in one sitting or break it into modules.
Do I need Docker installed before starting?
Pluralsight provides hands-on labs and sandboxes, so you can follow along without local installation. However, installing Docker locally beforehand helps reinforce concepts.
Will this prepare me for production Docker deployments?
Yes, for single-host and Docker Compose scenarios. For production Kubernetes clusters, you’ll need additional orchestration training beyond this course.
What Java versions and frameworks are covered?
The course uses modern Java (8+) with emphasis on Spring Boot applications, the most common Java framework in containerised environments.
Course by Michael Hoffman, Arun Gupta on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 58m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
