Table of Contents
Docker Fundamentals

Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
The book’s scope is to help you pass the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam. Earning the certificate is proof of your experience in working with containers; the Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE), formerly known as the Docker Enterprise; swarms; clusters; and containerized applications.
Engy Fouda
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Chapter 2. Installation and Configuration
Abstract
There are two Docker editions: Community Edition (CE, entirely free) and Enterprise Edition (not free). This chapter will focus on Docker Community Edition (CE) installation. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 will show in detail how to install, configure, and use the Docker Enterprise Edition and its components. There are common configuration commands between the two editions, and this is where this chapter lies. Many of the exam questions test you on these common commands.
Engy Fouda
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Chapter 3. Image Creation, Management, and Registry
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn how to create images and containers through an easy flow. The tricky questions in the exam usually focus on the multistage builds, the Dockerfile commands, the health check in the Dockerfile, the inspect command options, and the client commands to manage images.
Engy Fouda
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Chapter 4. Networking
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn about networking and how containers can communicate despite being isolated by default. The isolation protects containers from one of them logging in inside the other and messing it up. Moreover, containers are isolated from the Internet by default. You will learn how containers can communicate with each other and with hosts and make their services available on the Internet.
Chapter 5. Storage and Volumes
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn about storage and mounting volumes for stateful Docker containers and Kubernetes pods. For the Docker containers, there are two types of volumes, the persistent and the ephemeral. Also, there is a data volume. Moreover, there is a crucial difference between saving the data on volumes and using the filesystem when committing the containers to images.
Chapter 6. Docker Enterprise Edition/Mirantis Kubernetes Engine Installation
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn how to install the Docker Enterprise Edition (Docker EE). Since Mirantis acquired Docker, it is rebranding it with the new name of Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE). Installing it is so tricky and has many steps. Normally at a certain step, you will receive an error. Do not panic. You will learn in the chapter how to resolve it and install it correctly.
Chapter 7. Universal Control Plane (UCP)
Abstract
In the previous chapter, we learned how to install the Docker Enterprise Edition (Docker EE) and the Universal Control Plane (UCP) user interface (UI). Consequently, in this chapter, we will learn the UCP, the interface of the Enterprise Edition. When you install the Docker Enterprise Edition, you have to either use the command line as you do in the Docker Community Edition or use mouse clicks instead. There is no specific section in the exam about the interface. However, it is crucial to understand the different interfaces according to the UCP versions.
Chapter 8. Docker Trusted Registry (DTR)
Abstract
In the previous chapter, we learned how to use the UCP UI. Consequently, in this chapter, we will learn the Docker Trusted Registry (DTR). When you install the UCP, you have access to install the DTR from the Admin Settings of the UCP. The questions about this chapter are usually included within the security section of the exam.
Chapter 9. Microservices
Abstract
In this chapter, we will learn about how Docker is boosting the microservices architecture vs. the monolithic one. We will discuss the road map of containerizing an app and how to switch from monolithic to microservices. This road map is generic, regardless of the programming language used. To demonstrate that, we will have three examples for three different programming languages.
Chapter 10. Orchestration
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn about how to go to production. It is all about services and writing the YAML file, whether you use the Docker swarm or Kubernetes as your orchestrator.
Chapter 11. Security
Abstract
In this chapter, you will learn about the security features in the Enterprise Edition. One of the most crucial security features in Docker and Kubernetes is the Role-Based Access Control. You will practice with hands-on lab exercises. Also, this chapter discusses secrets, Docker Content Trust (DCT), and Transport Layer Security (TLS). The tricky questions in the exam usually focus on DCT, TLS, and the secrets.
Chapter 12. DCA Exam Requirements
Abstract
This chapter provides the current exam requirements and guides you on how to register, the modalities, and the question types. However, all of these are subject to change at any time. Therefore, please check the exam website for the latest updates and changes to be on the safe side. The current website is https://training.mirantis.com/dca-certification-exam/.
Exam Prep Quizzes
Frontmatter
Chapter 13. Orchestration Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Chapter 14. Image Creation, Management, and Registry Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Chapter 15. Installation and Configuration Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Chapter 16. Networking Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Chapter 17. Security Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Chapter 18. Storage and Volumes Quiz
Abstract
Always remember to check the questions listed in the “Extra Resources” section in Chapter 12.
Backmatter

Harness the power of Docker by containerizing your code with all its libraries and file systems to consistently run anywhere. This book is your source for learning all about Docker operations and development. It’s divided into two units and focuses on the topics that the Docker Certified Associate exam covers.

Unit 1 covers the Docker fundamentals, such as Docker Enterprise for Operations, Docker Enterprise for Developers, Swarm, and an introduction to Kubernetes. You will learn how to install Docker Community Edition, Docker Enterprise Edition with Kubernetes and CLI. Also, you will learn the Docker cycle, container lifecycle, develop applications in any language, wrap, build, ship, and deploy them for production. Finally, you will learn how to create a Swarm cluster, deploy an app to it, and manage it with the best practices according to the current technologies.

Unit 2 provides quizzes to help you prepare for the certification test. The DCA exam format and the question style has changed since Mirantis acquired Docker. To accommodate this, the quizzes mirror these changes.

What You’ll Learn

Understand the difference between containerization and virtualization Install Docker CE on various platforms and manage the resources Write Dockerfile, Docker Compose YAML, and Kubernetes manifest YAML files Compare microservices and monolithic applications Containerize monolithic applications

Who This Book Is For

Software developers, Cloud Architects, and DevOps operation managers.