8 Best Docker Books to Learn Docker in 2025

While containerization has been around for decades, Docker has recently popularised the approach. As a result, Docker has become an essential tool for many developers and system administrators. Docker is a popular open-source containerization tool used to create, deploy and run applications inside a container. As software development is evolving faster towards automation, having sound knowledge and experience about Docker can be very valuable for your career.

Docker books can help provide IT professionals with the latest information and best practices for using this popular containerization platform. In addition to keeping us up-to-date on the latest features, reading books about Docker can also help us understand how to use Docker in our own workflows.

By learning from the examples and case studies present in these books, you can gain a greater understanding on how to put Docker to work in your own environment. In short, reading books to learn Docker is an essential part of keeping up with this ever-changing technology. 

Top 8 Books to Learn Docker in 2025

If you want to learn about Docker, you have a few different options. You can read the official documentation, which is available online for free. You can also watch one of the many tutorials that are available on YouTube.

However, if you want a more comprehensive and structured approach, reading books that have been written on the subject is useful. Here are the 8 best Docker Books to learn Docker in 2024: 

1. Docker Deep Dive by Nigel Poulton

Originally published - 12 July 2017.

Docker Deep Dive is one of the best Docker books you can buy if you want to learn Docker in-depth. Authored by Nigel Poulton, an experienced author and webinar instructor, the book takes you on a detailed journey through the world of Docker.

You will get a start with an introduction to containers and virtualization, then progress through installation and configuration, working with images and volumes, networking, security, and more.

Throughout the book, Poulton provides clear explanations and plenty of hands-on examples to help you really understand how Docker works. As a result, Docker Deep Dive is an excellent choice if you're looking for a comprehensive guide to learning Docker. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Docker tutorial to pull images into local registry of the host 
• Applications of Docker and containers 
• Use Docker compose to manage multi-container applications 
• Build a Docker overlay network
• Way to containerize an app 
• Share sensitive data securely with containers and Docker Swarm services 

Just like any Docker certification course, this book can strengthen your knowledge about Docker and give you a wide perspective.

2. Docker: Up & Running by Sean P. Kane

Originally published: 11 June 2015

If you're serious about learning Docker, then there's no better book than Docker: Up & Running. Written by two experienced writers i.e. Sean Kane and Karl Matthias, the book provides a detailed and comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Docker.

Starting with an introduction to containers and how they work, the book covers all the key topics, including working with images, running containers, networking, storage, and security. You will also learn how to orchestrate multiple containers using Docker Compose and how to deploy your applications to production.

With its clear explanations and practical examples, Docker: Up & Running is essential reading for anyone who wants to master this incredibly powerful tool. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Use practical techniques
• Dependency management and deployment workflow
• Understanding containers composition and internal processes 
• Deploy production containers
• Docker image with containers, and command-line tools 
• Explore advanced Docker topics

3. Docker in Action- Second Edition 

Originally published: 28 October 2019

Docker in Action, Second Edition by Jeff Nicoloff is a comprehensive guide to using Docker. It covers all the core concepts of containerization, including image creation and management, container networking, and storage.

In addition, the book provides detailed instructions on how to deploy and use Docker in production environments. As a result, it is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Docker in 2025.

The book is well-written and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users alike. Whether you're new to containerization or looking to deepen your understanding of Docker, this book will give you the knowledge and skills you need. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Software installation
• Running software in containers 
• Single-host networking 
• Working with storage and volumes 
• Building images automatically with Dockerfiles 
• Packaging software for distribution 
• Reducing risk with resource controls 
• Public and private software distribution 
• Covers Image pipelines 

4. Fundamentals of Docker 19.x 

Originally published: 13 March 2020

If you're looking to learn all about Docker 19.x, then look no further than the Fundamentals of Docker 19.x book by Gabriel N. Schenker. This book covers everything you need to know about Docker, from the basics of containerization to more advanced topics such as networking, storage, and orchestration.

With clear and concise explanations, ample code examples, and real-world use cases, this book is the perfect resource for anyone wanting to get up to speed with Docker.

Whether you're just getting started with containers or you're a seasoned pro, the Fundamentals of Docker 19.x book is sure to provide you with the knowledge you need to be well-versed with Docker. With this book by your side, you'll have everything you need to get started with Docker and take your software development projects to the next level. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Docker tutorial for beginners
• Mastering Containers 
• Setting Up a Working Environment 
• Debugging Code Running in Containers 
• Data Volumes and Configuration 
• Advanced Docker Usage Scenarios 
• Using Docker to Supercharge Automation 
• Introduction to Kubernetes Docker 
• Single-Host Networking 
• Docker architecture
• Orchestrators 
• Docker Compose 
• Zero-Downtime Deployments and Secrets 
• Introduction to Docker Swarm 

To get the best out of your skills, you should also look out for best Devops training courses online. 

5. Docker in Practice- Second Edition 

Originally published: 10 February 2019

Docker in Practice, Second Edition is without doubt the best book available for those looking to learn Docker. This book provides detailed coverage of using Docker in development and production environments. Authors Ian Miell and Aidan Hobson Sayers have years of experience with Docker, and it shows in the level of detail they go into.

Not only does this book go into the theory behind Docker, but it also provides plenty of practical examples to help you get started immediately. In addition, the second edition has been updated to include new features and capabilities that have been introduced since the first edition was published.

As a result, it’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date book available on using Docker. Before moving on to more advanced topics such as image creation, network configuration, storage management, and deployment strategies, the book starts with a gentle introduction to containers and how they can be used. 

There are also chapters on popular open source projects which complement Docker very well. Throughout the book, the authors provide clear examples and step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow along. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Detailed Docker tutorial including building images
• Using Docker as a lightweight virtual machine 
• Day-to-day Docker 
• Running containers 
• Plain sailing: Running Docker in production 
• Security and Docker training
• Docker in production: Dealing with challenges 

6. Docker for Developer by Richard Bullington 

Originally published: 14 September 2020

Docker for Developers is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn how to use Docker containers to develop and run their applications. The book begins with a brief introduction to containers and then goes into detail on how to use Docker to develop and run applications.

It covers topics such as setting up a development environment, building images, running containers, and managing multiple containers. The book also includes a number of DevOps tools that can be used with Docker, such as Puppet, Chef, and Ansible. Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn how to use Docker containers to develop and run their applications. 

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Package and deploy your containers
• Creating Docker containers and understand how they work 
• Monitor the health and logs of running containers 
• Explore best practices for working with containers
• Work with containers in the Docker cloud
• Become familiar with scanning containers

7. The Docker Book: Containerization is the New Virtualization 

Originally published: 12 July 2014

The Docker Book: Containerization is the New Virtualization is another best book for Docker learners. James Turnbull details everything people need to know about containerization and how it can help them newer, better ways to virtualize their applications.

The book starts with an introduction to containers, including what they are and why they're important. It then goes into details on how to use Docker, how to install it and build containers. The book also covers common problems that Docker users might face and how to troubleshoot them.

Finally, the book provides a detailed look at how containerization can be used in various situations, such as microservices and continuous deployment. With its clear and concise explanations, The Docker Book is the perfect resource for anyone wanting to learn more about this exciting new technology.

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Complete docker tutorial starting from installation 
• Build Docker image
• Take your first steps with a Docker container. 
• Run and manage more complex Docker containers. 
• Manage and share Docker image
• Deploy Docker containers as part of your testing pipeline. 
• Explore the Docker API. 
• Build multi-container applications and environments. 
• Getting Help and Extending Docker. 

If you want to get a more precise understanding on Docker and Kubernetes, you can go opt for a Kubernetes and Docker course. 

8. Using Docker: Developing and Deploying Software with Containers

Originally published: Paperback – 1 January 2016

It is an excellent book written by Adrian Mouat. This new book aims to help Docker learners to get the most out of this powerful tool. The book starts with an overview of what Docker is and how it can be used, before moving on to more detailed instructions.

It covers topics such as packaging applications in containers, running containers in production, and deploying containers to the cloud. Whether you're a developer or an operations manager, or a beginner, this book will give you insights you need to start using Docker in your workflow and also prepare for Docker interview questions.

You will learn important things from the book including: 

• Building and deploying a simple web application 
• Use Continuous Deployment techniques
• Learn techniques for logging and monitoring multiple containers 
• Examine networking and service discovery
• Orchestrate and cluster containers
• Secure your system
• Detailed analysis of Docker containers

Conclusion

The 8 best Docker books to learn Docker in 2025 will help you become a proficient Docker user. These books are well-written and easy to follow, making learning Docker simple and straightforward. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, these books will teach you most of the things you need to know about using Docker for your projects.