This is a brief overview of using Docker, matching the contents of the 2025 Docker Workshop.

Docker is a platform for containerising applications. This is like running applications in Virtual Machines (VMs), although with a smaller resource footprint and the advantage of being able to re-use base images to save setup. For most users Docker enables the rapid setting up of software, so if you do or are interested in self hosting then you should find this very useful.

1. Start with an application
2. Write a Dockerfile that replicates the setup needed for the application
3. Use the Docker Client to build your application into an image
4. Then use the Client again to run the image as a container
5. Manage the running and configuration of multiple containers with Docker Compose