Understanding Docker

This module will help you build the previous file if you're new to Docker and are struggling to install dependencies on your machine.

First off, a quick recap.

Think of Docker as a shipping container for your app. Just as a shipping container can hold all sorts of goods (clothes, electronics, etc.) and be transported anywhere in the world, Docker bundles your app and everything it needs to run into a 'container.' This makes it easy to share and run your app on any computer.

Given the complexities and manual effort involved in resolving dependency issues in your system, Docker can be a beneficial tool to standardize the development environment among all students.

Why Use Docker?

• Standardized Environment: Everyone gets the same set of dependencies, reducing "it works on my machine" issues.

• Isolated: Doesn't interfere with other projects or system-wide settings.

• Ease of Use: Running the project becomes much simpler once set up.

Understanding Key Docker Terminologies

• Docker Image: Consider this a blueprint or a container snapshot, including the application and its dependencies. You build an image once and use it to create multiple containers.

• Docker Container: A container is a running instance of an image. It's a lightweight, stand-alone, executable software package with everything needed to run the code.

• CMD: In Docker, the CMD instruction specifies the command to execute when the container starts up.

• Docker Compose: A tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. Using a YAML file (docker-compose.yml), it allows you to specify how different containers interact with each other, making it easier to manage multiple containers as a single service.

Resources to Understand Docker Better

• Basic Tutorial on Dockerfile: Here

• Basic Tutorials on Docker Compose: Part 1 using (Single Container), Part 2 (using 2 Containers)

• Blog on using ChatGPT to build an optimized Docker Image: 3-Minute Read

Now let's see the step-by-step implementation.