Becoming a Docker Captain

Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently become a Docker Captain. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my journey with Docker, starting in 2019, and share some learnings and insights along the way.

Discovering Docker in 2019: A Spark of Interest

It all began back in 2019, when I was working at SAP Labs in Bangalore. As someone passionate about exploring new technologies, I started attending local meetups to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from their experiences. It was during one of these meetups that I first came across the term Docker. The concept of containerization and its potential to transform software development immediately got my attention.

Eager to dive deeper, I started learning Docker through various online platforms. I explored tutorials, blogs, and documentation to understand its fundamentals and practical applications. This newfound knowledge not only enhanced my skills but also ignited a desire to share what I had learned with others.

Hands-On Experience: Working on a Docker Project at SAP Labs

While at SAP Labs, I got the opportunity to work on a Docker-based project in a production environment. This was a game-changer for me, as it allowed me to gain hands-on experience with Docker in real-world scenarios. Working on the project helped me understand the challenges and nuances of using containerization at scale, such as deploying containers in production, managing workloads, and ensuring high availability.

This experience not only strengthened my technical expertise but also gave me a practical perspective on Docker’s impact on enterprise environments.

Taking It to the Next Level: Earning the Docker Certified Associate (DCA)

As my interest in Docker grew, I decided to deepen my understanding by pursuing the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification. Preparing for this certification was challenging but rewarding. It provided me with a strong foundation in containerisation concepts, Docker commands, orchestration, and real-world applications. This certification confirmed my expertise and inspired me to explore further possibilities with Docker. I became DCA when the Enterprise business was acquired by Mirantis.

Organising India's Largest Docker Meetup: A Milestone in 2020

One of the most memorable milestones in my journey was organizing India's largest Docker meetup in January 2020. This was the first event of the year, and it was truly extraordinary. With over 550 attendees, it became a platform for professionals and enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and discuss the future of containerization.

From coordinating with speakers to managing logistics, the experience of organising such a large-scale event was both challenging and exhilarating. Seeing the community’s enthusiasm and engagement reaffirmed my commitment to contributing to the Docker ecosystem.

Keeping the Community Alive During COVID-19

When the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw an opportunity to keep the community spirit alive through virtual meetups. I hosted several online sessions on Docker, sharing insights, best practices, and use cases with developers worldwide. These sessions not only helped others learn but also deepened my own understanding as I prepared and answered questions from the community.

During this time, I also created a dedicated Docker playlist on my YouTube channel, Kubesimplify. This playlist became a go-to resource for developers to learn Docker step-by-step, from beginner concepts to advanced techniques. Additionally, I began writing blogs on Medium and Kubesimplify, covering practical Docker topics to reach an even wider audience.

Applying for Docker Captain: The Next Chapter

After years of learning, contributing, and engaging with the Docker community, I felt ready to take the next step: applying for the Docker Captain program. This recognition would not only validate my contributions but also provide me with a platform to reach more people and advocate for Docker in the global developer ecosystem.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back, what began as curiosity at a meetup has grown into a passion for containerisation and community building. Docker has been more than just a technology for me, it has been a catalyst for personal growth, professional opportunities, and meaningful connections with developers worldwide.

As I continue this journey, I am excited to share more knowledge, build impactful communities, and explore the endless possibilities of containerisation. For anyone looking to start their Docker journey, my advice is simple: stay curious, contribute to the community, and never stop learning.

What’s Happening at Docker Inc.?

Before we talk about Docker Desktop, let me quickly highlight the key areas Docker Inc. is focusing on post the 2019 Mirantis acquisition of their enterprise business. Docker Inc. has been refining its offerings, and here are its major products:

1. Docker Desktop
   A local development environment enabling developers to efficiently build, share, and run containerized applications on their desktops. It integrates seamlessly with multiple developer tools and supports various programming languages. It also has WASM integration and you can build and run wasm OCI images too.

2. Docker Hub
   A cloud-based repository where developers can discover, share, and store container images. It acts as a central hub for managing container images and finding trusted content.

3. Docker Scout
   A tool designed to simplify the software supply chain by providing insights into container images, helping developers identify and address vulnerabilities. It makes finding CVE’s super simple in the container images.

Now that we’ve got a quick overview, let’s zoom in on Docker Desktop and learn how to get started.

Installing Docker Desktop

For this blog, I’ll focus on the installation process for macOS, as that’s what I use. If you’re on Windows or any other you can visit the official website and download as per the OS.

Steps to Install Docker Desktop on macOS:

1. Visit the Docker Desktop installation guide for macOS and click download for MAC

2. Download the installer and click on it to begin the installation process.

3. 

   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

   

4. Once installed, open Docker Desktop, and you’re ready to start containerizing!

If you’re planning to use Docker Desktop for work, make sure to select the appropriate license during setup. Docker Desktop offers both personal and professional options, so choose based on your needs.

What’s Next?

In my upcoming blogs, I’ll dive deeper into Docker Desktop’s features, its integration with Kubernetes, and tips to optimise your containerised workflows. For now, I encourage you to explore Docker Desktop, try running your first container, and share your experiences in the comments below.