Docker Compose Multi-Container Applications Training

Build and manage complex multi-container applications with this focused 2-day course. Learn Docker Compose inside out — from service definitions and networking to production deployment patterns, monitoring stacks, and real-world application architectures.

Training Details

Duration	2 days (16 hours)
Level	Intermediate
Delivery	In-person, Live online, Hybrid
Certification	N/A

Who Is This For?

• Developers building multi-service applications
• DevOps engineers managing container stacks
• Teams migrating monoliths to containerized services
• Anyone working with Docker Compose regularly

Learning Outcomes

After completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Design and manage multi-service applications with Docker Compose
• Configure networking, volumes, and dependencies between services
• Use Compose profiles, overrides, and environment-specific configs
• Implement logging, monitoring, and health check patterns
• Deploy Compose stacks to production environments
• Troubleshoot common multi-container issues

Detailed Agenda

Day 1: Compose Fundamentals and Architecture

Module 1: Docker Compose Essentials

• Compose file syntax and service definitions
• Build vs image-based services
• Environment variables and .env files
• Hands-on: Define a web app with database and cache services

Module 2: Networking and Service Discovery

• Default bridge network and DNS resolution
• Custom networks and network segmentation
• Exposing vs publishing ports
• Hands-on: Design isolated network zones for frontend, backend, and data tiers

Module 3: Volumes and Data Persistence

• Named volumes and bind mounts in Compose
• Volume drivers and shared data patterns
• Backup and restore strategies
• Hands-on: Set up persistent storage for databases and file uploads

Day 2: Advanced Patterns and Production

Module 4: Advanced Compose Features

• Profiles for optional services
• Extends and multiple Compose files
• Compose Watch for development
• Hands-on: Build dev, test, and production configurations

Module 5: Observability Stacks

• Logging with Loki and Promtail
• Monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana
• Distributed tracing with Jaeger
• Hands-on: Deploy a complete observability stack alongside your application

Module 6: Production Patterns

• Health checks and restart policies
• Resource limits and reservations
• Deploying Compose apps with Docker Swarm
• Hands-on: Harden a Compose stack for production deployment

Prerequisites

• Docker Fundamentals or equivalent experience
• Basic understanding of networking (ports, DNS)
• Familiarity with YAML syntax

Delivery Formats

Format	Description
In-Person	On-site at your company's location, hands-on with direct interaction
Live Online	Interactive virtual sessions with screen sharing and real-time labs
Hybrid	Combination of on-site and remote sessions, flexible scheduling

All formats include hands-on labs, course materials, and post-training support.