14 Best Docker Project Ideas For Beginners [2025]
Updated on Nov 13, 2024 | 22 min read | 99.8k views
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Updated on Nov 13, 2024 | 22 min read | 99.8k views
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Did you know developers using Docker are twice as likely to be architects and three times as likely to hold roles in DevOps? Docker has changed how we develop, test, and deploy applications, which has made these processes faster and smoother.
What is the use of docker? As a containerization tool, Docker packages apps and their environments into containers—small, portable units that run consistently across different systems. This approach helps avoid compatibility issues that slow down workflows.
Check out these beginner-friendly Docker projects to learn its practical uses. These projects give hands-on experience and show why Docker is a valuable software engineering and DevOps skill.
Let’s start exploring Docker’s capabilities!
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Skill/Tool |
Purpose |
Description |
Dockerfiles |
Container Setup |
Dockerfiles are scripts that define the contents, environment, and instructions for containers. |
Docker Compose |
Multi-Container Management |
A tool to define and manage applications with multiple containers, useful for complex setups. |
Basic Docker CLI Commands |
Container Control |
Essential commands like docker build, docker run, and docker-compose up to manage and deploy containers. |
Getting started with Docker is a great way to build essential skills in containerization and deployment. For beginners, Docker offers a hands-on approach to understanding how applications are packaged, isolated, and managed efficiently. From setting up a simple web server to containerizing small applications, these beginner-friendly Docker projects will help you grasp the basics and create deployable, scalable solutions. Let’s dive into these straightforward project ideas to start your Docker journey.
This Basic Web Server project creates a simple Docker container using Nginx to serve a static HTML page. The setup involves a Dockerfile that pulls an nginx:alpine image as the base, making it lightweight and efficient. The HTML file served in this project demonstrates how to create and deploy a simple web server environment that can be accessed locally or in other environments. The aim is to familiarize users with Docker basics—building, running, and exposing ports in a containerized application setup.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker: Make sure Docker is installed on your machine. Refer to Docker’s official installation guide for different operating systems.
Create Project Directory: In your working directory, create a new folder, then inside it, create an index.html file. This file will contain the HTML content to be served.
index.html example:
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>My Docker Nginx Server</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to My Nginx Docker Server!</h1>
</body>
</html>
2. Write the Dockerfile: In the same project directory, create a Dockerfile. This file defines the environment in which your application will run.
Dockerfile:
dockerfile
# Use Nginx from the official image repository
FROM nginx:alpine
# Copy the local index.html to Nginx’s default HTML directory
COPY ./index.html /usr/share/nginx/html
# Expose port 80 to allow access to the web server
EXPOSE 80
3. Build the Docker Image: In your terminal, navigate to the project directory and build your Docker image with the following command:
bash
docker build -t my-nginx-app .
4. Run the Docker Container: Use the docker run command to start a container from your newly created image. The -d flag runs the container in detached mode, and -p maps port 80 in the container to port 8080 on your machine.
bash
docker run -d -p 8080:80 my-nginx-app
5. Access the Web Server: Open a web browser and go to http://localhost:8080. You should see the HTML content served by Nginx from within the Docker container.
In this Containerized Static Website project, a Docker container is built to serve an entire static website using Nginx. The Dockerfile pulls the nginx:alpine image, and all site files are stored in the container, allowing for consistent deployment across different machines. This project focuses on containerizing front-end content and the end result is a fully containerized site that’s accessible via a mapped local port.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create Project Directory: Inside your working directory, create a folder named static-site and add all HTML, CSS, and any other static files needed for the website.
Write the Dockerfile: Create a Dockerfile in the static-site folder. This Dockerfile will instruct Docker on how to build and configure the container to serve your static files with Nginx.
Dockerfile:
dockerfile
FROM nginx:alpine
# Copy the entire static-site folder into Nginx’s HTML directory
COPY . /usr/share/nginx/html
# Expose port 80 for the web server
EXPOSE 80
Discover the top 10 DevOps projects for beginners in 2024—read the blog to get started!
2. Build the Docker Image: From within the static-site directory, run the following command to create a Docker image named static-site.
bash
docker build -t static-site .
3. Run the Docker Container: Start the container with the following command, mapping port 80 in the container to port 8080 on your local machine.
bash
docker run -d -p 8080:80 static-site
4. Access the Static Website: Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080. Your static website should now be served through the Nginx Docker container.
This project involves creating a web application using Python's Flask framework, which is ideal for developing lightweight, RESTful applications. The project’s objective is to containerize this Flask app with Docker, ensuring consistent deployment across different environments. This setup uses Python 3.8, with Flask and any dependencies specified in a requirements.txt file. By the end, you’ll understand the process of Dockerizing a simple app, useful for deployment across teams or scaling in production.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker and Python: Ensure Docker and Python are installed on your system.
2. Create Flask App Files:
Example: app.py
python
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)
@app.route("/")
def hello():
return "Hello from Flask in Docker!"
if __name__ == "__main__":
app.run(host="0.0.0.0", port=5000)
requirements.txt
makefile
Flask==2.0.1
3. Write the Dockerfile: The Dockerfile defines the container environment.
dockerfile
FROM python:3.8
WORKDIR /app
COPY . /app
RUN pip install -r requirements.txt
CMD ["python", "app.py"]
4. Build the Docker Image:
bash
docker build -t my-flask-app .
5. Run the Container:
bash
docker run -d -p 5000:5000 my-flask-app
6. Access the Flask App: Visit http://localhost:5000 in your browser to confirm the app is running.
This project creates a multi-container setup using Docker Compose, featuring an Nginx web server and a Redis caching service. Such setups are common in scalable, microservice-based applications, providing efficient load distribution and caching mechanisms. The docker-compose.yml file orchestrates the services, defining configurations and managing interactions between containers, allowing you to launch the full environment with a single command.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker and Docker Compose: Make sure both are installed on your machine.
2. Project Directory and Files:
Compose File Configuration:
yaml
version: '3'
services:
web:
image: nginx:alpine
ports:
- "8080:80"
cache:
image: redis:alpine
Run the Multi-Container Setup:
bash
docker-compose up
3. Access the Nginx Server: Open a web browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080.
This setup takes approximately 2-3 hours to configure, and it provides practical experience with Docker Compose in a multi-container application context.
This project creates a Dockerized MySQL database environment, ideal for local development and testing. Running MySQL in a Docker container provides a consistent and isolated database setup, reducing setup conflicts and enhancing portability. This configuration utilizes the official mysql:latest Docker image and offers a quick, disposable environment that can handle database testing with up to 10,000 records without needing a local MySQL installation.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker: Ensure Docker is installed and running.
2. Pull MySQL Docker Image:
bash
docker pull mysql:latest
3. Run MySQL Container:
bash
docker run -d --name local-mysql -e MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=my-secret-pw -p 3306:3306 mysql:latest
4. Connect to the Database:
5. Data Persistence (Optional):
bash
docker run -d --name local-mysql -e MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=my-secret-pw -p 3306:3306 -v mysql_data:/var/lib/mysql mysql:latest
Learning Outcomes:
This project demonstrates how to containerize a Node.js application using Docker, allowing for quick and consistent deployment across different environments. The project includes building a simple Node.js server that listens on port 3000 and is accessed via Docker. With approximately 200 MB of space required, this setup is suitable for lightweight applications and prototype servers.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker and Node.js:
2. Set Up Node.js App Files:
javascript
// app.js
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = 3000;
app.get('/', (req, res) => res.send('Hello from Dockerized Node.js!'));
app.listen(PORT, () => console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`));
package.json
json
{
"name": "docker-node-app",
"version": "1.0.0",
"main": "app.js",
"dependencies": {
"express": "^4.17.1"
}
}
3. Write the Dockerfile:
dockerfile
FROM node:14
WORKDIR /app
COPY . /app
RUN npm install
EXPOSE 3000
CMD ["node", "app.js"]
4. Build Docker Image:
bash
docker build -t my-node-app .
5. Run Docker Container:
bash
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 my-node-app
6. Access Node.js Server: Visit http://localhost:3000 in your browser.
Learning Outcomes:
This project involves creating a private Docker registry on a local machine, ideal for managing Docker images that aren't shared publicly. The registry uses approximately 150 MB of space and runs as a service on port 5000, allowing for image storage, version control, and private access within a team.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install Docker: Make sure Docker is installed.
2. Run the Docker Registry:
bash
docker run -d -p 5000:5000 --name registry registry:2
3. Tag and Push an Image:
bash
docker tag my-image localhost:5000/my-image
docker push localhost:5000/my-image
4. Pull the Image:
bash
docker pull localhost:5000/my-image
5. Verify Registry Contents:
Learning Outcomes:
For seasoned developers, Docker opens up opportunities to tackle complex, multi-container systems and build solutions that address real-world demands in data processing, machine learning, and microservices. These advanced Docker projects challenge you to expand your skillset, from deploying machine learning models to setting up a CI/CD pipeline. Each project is designed to help you unlock Docker’s full potential and bring scalable, efficient solutions to life. Here’s a look at some of the best Docker projects for advanced developers
This project focuses on containerizing a FastAPI-based data science API for deployment. It involves setting up a machine learning model to run predictions via API requests, creating a scalable and portable environment. The FastAPI application loads a pre-trained model, allowing users to send JSON data to receive predictions. With Docker, this API can be easily deployed across multiple platforms and can serve real-time requests.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create FastAPI Application:
python
# app.py
from fastapi import FastAPI
import pickle
import numpy as np
app = FastAPI()
# Load model
with open("model.pkl", "rb") as f:
model = pickle.load(f)
@app.post("/predict/")
def predict(data: list):
prediction = model.predict(np.array(data))
return {"prediction": prediction.tolist()}
2. Write the Dockerfile:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile
FROM python:3.9-slim
WORKDIR /app
COPY requirements.txt .
RUN pip install -r requirements.txt
COPY . .
CMD ["uvicorn", "app:app", "--host", "0.0.0.0", "--port", "8000"]
3. Build and Run the Container:
bash
docker build -t fastapi-model-api .
docker run -d -p 8000:8000 fastapi-model-api
4. Test API Endpoint:
Learning Outcomes:
This project demonstrates setting up a CI/CD pipeline to automate application builds, tests, and deployments. The pipeline can handle codebases of up to 50,000 lines, enabling quick rollouts and automated error checks. Jenkins, running within a Docker container, manages continuous integration, while Docker simplifies deployment across multiple environments.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Jenkins in Docker Container:
bash
docker run -d -p 8080:8080 -p 50000:50000 jenkins/jenkins:lts
2. Install Jenkins Plugins:
3. Configure CI/CD Pipeline:
groovy
pipeline {
agent any
stages {
stage('Build') {
steps {
sh 'docker build -t my-app .'
}
}
stage('Test') {
steps {
sh 'docker run my-app pytest tests/'
}
}
stage('Deploy') {
steps {
sh 'docker run -d -p 80:80 my-app'
}
}
}
}
4. Run the Pipeline:
Learning Outcomes:
In this project, a multi-container setup is created to manage a microservices architecture with Docker and Docker Compose. Each service is containerized independently, allowing for easy scaling and management. The architecture is designed to handle up to 10 microservices, making it suitable for complex applications requiring modular deployment.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create Dockerfiles for Each Microservice:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile for user service
FROM node:14
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN npm install
CMD ["node", "user-service.js"]
2. Define Services in Docker Compose:
yaml
version: '3'
services:
user-service:
build: ./user
ports:
- "5001:5001"
payment-service:
build: ./payment
ports:
- "5002:5002"
notification-service:
build: ./notification
ports:
- "5003:5003"
3. Run Docker Compose:
bash
docker-compose up -d
4. Test Connectivity Between Services:
Learning Outcomes:
In this advanced project, you’ll deploy a machine learning model using Flask and TensorFlow in a Docker container, creating a scalable API that can serve predictions. The setup is designed to handle up to 10,000 prediction requests per hour, making it suitable for real-time applications. Docker ensures the entire environment (Flask server, TensorFlow model, and dependencies) is packaged into a single, portable container that can run seamlessly on different platforms.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create a Flask App to Serve the Model:
python
# app.py
from flask import Flask, request, jsonify
import tensorflow as tf
import numpy as np
app = Flask(__name__)
# Load pre-trained TensorFlow model
model = tf.keras.models.load_model("path/to/your/model.h5")
@app.route('/predict', methods=['POST'])
def predict():
data = request.get_json(force=True)
prediction = model.predict(np.array([data['input']]))
return jsonify({'prediction': prediction.tolist()})
if __name__ == '__main__':
app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)
2. Create a requirements.txt File:
flask
tensorflow
numpy
3. Write the Dockerfile:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile
FROM python:3.9-slim
# Set up working directory
WORKDIR /app
# Copy requirements and install dependencies
COPY requirements.txt .
RUN pip install -r requirements.txt
# Copy the application code
COPY . .
# Expose the port the app runs on
EXPOSE 5000
# Run the Flask application
CMD ["python", "app.py"]
4. Build and Run the Container:
bash
docker build -t flask-tensorflow-app .
docker run -d -p 5000:5000 flask-tensorflow-app
5. Access the Prediction API:
This project introduces container orchestration using Kubernetes to manage Docker containers at scale. You’ll deploy multiple containers within a Kubernetes cluster, allowing for advanced container management features like load balancing, scaling, and fault tolerance. This setup can manage hundreds of containers, making it ideal for complex applications requiring high availability.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create Docker Images for Each Microservice:
bash
docker build -t my-service-image .
2. Push Docker Images to a Registry:
bash
docker tag my-service-image myusername/my-service-image
docker push myusername/my-service-image
3. Write Kubernetes Deployment and Service YAML Files:
yaml
# deployment.yaml
apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
name: my-service-deployment
spec:
replicas: 3
selector:
matchLabels:
app: my-service
template:
metadata:
labels:
app: my-service
spec:
containers:
- name: my-service-container
image: myusername/my-service-image
ports:
- containerPort: 80
yaml
# service.yaml
apiVersion: v1
kind: Service
metadata:
name: my-service
spec:
selector:
app: my-service
ports:
- protocol: TCP
port: 80
targetPort: 80
type: LoadBalancer
4. Deploy Services to Kubernetes Cluster:
bash
kubectl apply -f deployment.yaml
kubectl apply -f service.yaml
5. Verify and Access the Service:
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This project involves creating a Dockerized IoT data pipeline that leverages MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) for real-time data exchange. You’ll set up components within Docker containers to simulate and process IoT data, which is ideal for handling data from multiple IoT sensors or devices. This setup is scalable, with the potential to handle data from up to 1,000 IoT devices. The project demonstrates the power of Docker in maintaining isolated environments for each stage of data processing, improving consistency and reliability.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up MQTT Broker in a Docker Container:
bash
docker pull eclipse-mosquitto
docker run -d -p 1883:1883 -p 9001:9001 --name mqtt-broker eclipse-mosquitto
2. Create a Python Script for Data Publishing:
python
# publisher.py
import paho.mqtt.client as mqtt
import random
import time
broker = "localhost"
port = 1883
topic = "iot/data"
client = mqtt.Client()
client.connect(broker, port)
while True:
payload = {"temperature": random.uniform(20.0, 25.0), "humidity": random.uniform(30.0, 50.0)}
client.publish(topic, str(payload))
time.sleep(2)
3. Containerize the Data Publisher Script with Docker:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile
FROM python:3.8-slim
WORKDIR /app
COPY publisher.py .
RUN pip install paho-mqtt
CMD ["python", "publisher.py"]
4. Build and Run the Container:
bash
docker build -t iot-publisher .
docker run -d --link mqtt-broker iot-publisher\
5. Set Up a Data Processor for IoT Data:
python
# processor.py
import paho.mqtt.client as mqtt
def on_message(client, userdata, message):
print("Received data:", message.payload.decode())
client = mqtt.Client()
client.on_message = on_message
client.connect("mqtt-broker", 1883)
client.subscribe("iot/data")
client.loop_forever()
6. Containerize the Data Processor:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile for Processor
FROM python:3.8-slim
WORKDIR /app
COPY processor.py .
RUN pip install paho-mqtt
CMD ["python", "processor.py"]
7. Run and Monitor the IoT Pipeline:
This project focuses on containerizing a Python-based web scraper that uses Selenium with a headless browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). Containerization allows you to run the scraper in a controlled environment, ensuring compatibility across different systems. The scraper will handle dynamic content loading and can process up to 5,000 pages per session. This setup is especially useful for large-scale, automated data extraction tasks.
Project Overview:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Web Scraper Script Using Selenium:
python
# scraper.py
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.chrome.options import Options
options = Options()
options.headless = True # Run Chrome in headless mode
driver = webdriver.Chrome(options=options)
driver.get("https://example.com")
page_data = driver.page_source
print(page_data)
driver.quit()
2. Create a Dockerfile for the Web Scraper:
dockerfile
# Dockerfile
FROM python:3.8-slim
# Install necessary dependencies
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y wget unzip
# Install Chrome for headless browsing
RUN wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
RUN apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb -y
# Set up Chromedriver
RUN wget -N https://chromedriver.storage.googleapis.com/91.0.4472.19/chromedriver_linux64.zip
RUN unzip chromedriver_linux64.zip -d /usr/local/bin/
# Install Selenium
RUN pip install selenium
# Copy scraper script
WORKDIR /app
COPY scraper.py .
CMD ["python", "scraper.py"]
3. Build the Docker Image:
bash
docker build -t selenium-scraper .
4. Run the Dockerized Web Scraper:
bash
docker run -it selenium-scraper
5. Verify the Output:
Docker skills are highly valued in India’s tech industry. Docker simplifies app creation, deployment, and management, making it essential for DevOps, cloud computing, and software development roles. Mastering Docker can give you a strong edge in these fields.
How Docker Skills Benefit Your Career:
Average Salaries for Docker Experts in India:
Job Role |
Average Salary per Annum(₹) |
DevOps Engineer |
|
Cloud Solutions Architect |
|
Data Engineer |
|
Software Developer |
|
Systems Administrator |
Why Indian Employers Value Docker Skills:
Docker expertise opens up competitive, high-paying roles in India’s tech industry, from DevOps to cloud to data science. It’s a smart step for any tech professional.
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