Docker for Beginners: From Zero to Your First Container in 30 Minutes

What is Docker and Why Does It Matter?

Docker packages applications into containers — lightweight, portable units that include everything the app needs: code, runtime, and libraries. The problem it solves: 'It works on my machine.' Containers run identically everywhere.

Install Docker

**macOS / Windows:** Download Docker Desktop from docker.com. It includes everything.

**Ubuntu/Linux:**

## Your First Container

Build Your Own Image

Create a file called `Dockerfile`:

Docker Compose for Multi-Container Apps

Essential Commands

## What Next?
Go to the Docker Intermediate section to learn multi-stage builds, networking, and production security patterns.