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This list is for developers, sysadmins and career changers who want the tools that ship and run software: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible and CI/CD pipelines. Our IT and software category lists 1,870 courses, and our AWS and Git categories list more on the tools around them. These ten are the ones we would pick for each tool and each step. They have nearly 615,000 student reviews between them, are rated 4.5 to 4.7, and every one was updated in 2026.
Every rating, review count, length and last-update date on this page comes from our catalogue and is refreshed with it. The pros and cons are written by CourseDuck’s editors from the course syllabus and a sample of the written student reviews, and checked against both; no course pays to be on this list. Udemy prices move with its sales, so treat the price on each card as the current one, not a fixed one. Five of the ten come from Mumshad Mannambeth’s KodeKloud team; they are among the most-reviewed courses on these tools, and their browser labs let you practise without setting up a local environment. The Kubernetes exams themselves are run by the Linux Foundation and the Terraform exam by HashiCorp, with their own fees; a Udemy certificate is not the certification.
How to pick
- You have never used containers: Docker for the Absolute Beginner, then Kubernetes for the Absolute Beginners.
- You want Docker in depth: Docker Mastery.
- You learn best by building one app end to end: Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide.
- You are going for a Kubernetes certification: the CKA course if you run clusters, the CKAD course if you deploy apps to them.
- You manage infrastructure as code: HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate, and Ansible for the Absolute Beginner for configuration.
- You build pipelines: GitLab CI/CD.
- You want one long course that covers the whole DevOps toolchain: Decoding DevOps.
Start here: Docker
1. Docker for the Absolute Beginner - Hands On - DevOps
Mumshad Mannambeth’s course is the shortest way in: what containers are, the basic Docker commands, writing Dockerfiles, Docker Compose and a first look at Swarm, in about 2.8 hours over 60 lectures, with coding exercises in the browser that check your commands and Dockerfiles. It has about 74,000 reviews at 4.5 and more than 347,000 students, and was updated in September 2026. Reviewers say the labs made the commands stick. He talks fast, it is light on networking and orchestration, and it assumes you are already comfortable at a command line.
Pros
- Browser-based labs mean no local Docker setup needed
- Hands-on assignments help commands actually stick, reviewers say
- Backed by 73,893 reviews at a 4.5 average rating
- Instructor has trained over 280,000 students across his DevOps courses
Cons
- Mumshad talks fast and some lectures cut off abruptly
- Only 2.8 hours total, light on networking and orchestration depth
- One reviewer says a recent update shortened content and hurt audio quality
What students say
MOHAMED FAKKAR ABDULNOURGreat content. It provided the learning I was after. The instructor certainly knows the subject. But I feel that the instructor is reading from a script. And at times, the reading is a bit fast. It is a one way method of learning. When it is clear that the instructor is reading from a script, it makes it even less personable.
Amar ManeThe course was good. Only thing concerned a little was the pace of the course. Even on 1x speed, it sometimes felt little fast, but when tried on 0.75x, it felt a bit slower. So, I struggled little here on finding the correct pace for me. Such might not be the case for others though. Liked the course. It was informative for a beginner.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
2. Docker Mastery: with Kubernetes +Swarm from a Docker Captain
Bret Fisher, a Docker Captain, teaches the deep version: containers, images, networking, volumes and Compose each get their own section, followed by Swarm, a Kubernetes primer and GitHub Actions examples that build and scan your images, in about 23 hours over 225 lectures. It was updated in August 2026 and has about 67,200 reviews at 4.5. Students get a chat group and monthly live Q&As. Reviewers like the pace. Some steps are dated, Kubernetes is only a taster, and it expects terminal, SSH and virtual machine basics.
Pros
- Docker core is explained in detail: containers, images, volumes and Compose each get their own section
- Recent additions include GitHub Actions CI examples and a new ENTRYPOINT section, updated August 2026
- Reviewers say the pace is neither too quick nor too slow, and the visuals help
- Comes with Slack and Discord chat plus monthly live Q&As with the instructor
Cons
- Some content is dated: Play with Docker is retired and Docker Hub steps no longer match
- Kubernetes is only a taster, and reviewers want more practice labs and a real project
- Slide-heavy and long at 23 hours, with older Swarm material still included
What students say
Simon BartkowiakI really like the deep dive into DevOps Workflow, Github Action to automate everything and implement the infrastructure as code mindset. Also I appreciate the Kubernetes section, which shows the possibilities of a high frequency updated distributed system, which is managed in a declarative fashion in the infrastructure configuration files. This really opens up a new world of managing robust highly available software.
Boula AkladyousThis Docker course on Udemy is by far the most comprehensive course I’ve ever seen! The instructor uses a top-down learning approach, starting with foundational core concepts and building everything step by step. It literally takes you from zero to hero in Docker, making even complex topics easy to understand. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to solidify your knowledge, this course is...
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
3. Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide
Stephen Grider builds one multi-container app, a React front end with Node, Redis and Postgres, and takes it from Docker basics through Compose to Kubernetes with Ingress, HTTPS and Skaffold, in about 21.6 hours over 310 lectures. It has about 62,700 reviews at 4.6 and was updated in February 2026. Reviewers call the explanations clear and thorough. The CI sections were filmed with Travis CI, which no longer has a free tier, so you will swap in another tool, and deploying to AWS or Google Cloud needs a credit card.
Pros
- Explains containers from first principles before touching the CLI
- One multi-container Node, React, Redis and Postgres app ties the lessons together
- Covers Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Ingress, HTTPS and Skaffold in a single course
- Reviewers call the explanations simple, clear and thorough
Cons
- Travis CI no longer has a free tier, so the CI sections can’t be completed as filmed
- AWS console screens have changed, and some videos need code fixes from notes
- No coding exercises, and one reviewer found the pace fast and the delivery hard to follow
What students say
Dan MellickI agree with other reviews in that this course will get a beginner up and running. It should be noted that the course was developed in 2018 and though there are updates to the code to get it running the lectures have not been updated.
Monica DasThe Instructor is so generous in explaining every bit of all the terms and all issues in detail. I hardly found such teacher in other courses.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
Kubernetes and the CKA and CKAD exams
4. Kubernetes for the Absolute Beginners - Hands-on
Mumshad Mannambeth’s Kubernetes course is the most-reviewed course in this guide: about 115,000 reviews at 4.6 and more than 505,000 students. It covers pods, ReplicaSets, deployments, services and YAML in about 6.6 hours over 63 lectures, with 37 coding exercises in the browser so you do not need your own cluster. The course was last updated in September 2026. Reviewers find the explanations easy to follow. There are no downloadable notes, some find the delivery dry, and the labs sometimes need a reset.
Pros
- 37 in-browser coding exercises let students practice YAML and commands without a local setup
- Clear explanations with images that reviewers find easy to follow
- Lab environment upgraded across several Kubernetes versions, last updated September 2026
- At 6.6 hours, the basics fit into a few evenings
Cons
- No downloadable notes or PDF, so students have to keep their own
- Some reviewers find the delivery dull, with uneven video quality and a slight accent
- Labs can glitch, needing a reset or manual refresh, and networking gets one short lecture
What students say
ShahulIt is very easy to understand and the course is definitely beginner friendly. For the beginners the code practice sessions would be of great help. The lectures knowledge in the subject is good and the sessions are good.
Alex RiveraAmazing K8s course! It covers all needed to know the basics of Kubernetes and more. The labs are great and really challenge you to remember and undestrand file's structure (yaml). I'm really looking forward for the next ones.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
5. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) with Practice Tests
This is the Certified Kubernetes Administrator prep from the same KodeKloud team: scheduling, security, storage, networking, cluster upgrades, troubleshooting, a build-from-scratch section and newer Helm and Kustomize lessons, in about 26 hours over 311 lectures with practice labs in the browser and mock exams. It has about 94,000 reviews at 4.7 and was updated in September 2026. Reviewers who sat the exam say the mocks are close to it. Some labs use commands the lectures have not covered yet, and a few solutions are missing or do not match.
Pros
- In-browser labs mean no local cluster setup before you start practicing
- Mock exams reviewers say closely match the real CKA’s difficulty and style
- Covers the full CKA curriculum: scheduling, security, storage, networking, troubleshooting
- Recently added Helm and Kustomize sections keep it current with the exam
Cons
- Some labs reference topics or commands not yet taught in the preceding lectures
- A few lab exercises are missing solutions or have mismatched answer keys
- Listed course length reportedly understates real time needed to finish the labs
What students say
Alex IvasyuvGreat course! Of course you have to practice even more aside these labs, but I really like the way course is layout, very comfortable explanation and slides. But in order to get excel - you have to practice beyond that for sure, course give you good understand what is that, how it works - and your task to dig deeper. Really recommend that course!
Neda KhodabakhshiThis is one of the best Kubernetes courses I’ve taken. The explanations are clear, well-structured, and easy to follow, and the hands-on exercises make everything much easier to understand. I’m very happy with this course, and it has inspired me to work toward earning my CKA certification. If you’re serious about learning Kubernetes and passing the CKA exam, I highly recommend this course.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
6. Kubernetes Certified Application Developer (CKAD) with Tests
The KodeKloud CKAD course is for developers who deploy to Kubernetes: probes, jobs, persistent volumes, secrets, network policies, rollouts and Helm, with a short video and a browser lab for each topic, then lightning labs and mock exams, in about 16.6 hours over 213 lectures. It has about 41,300 reviews at 4.7 and was updated in September 2026. Reviewers praise the labs. Several say the mock exams are easier than the real CKAD, and it expects Kubernetes basics and a little Python first.
Pros
- Short video then browser lab for each topic, with no cluster setup needed
- Lightning labs and nine mock exam lectures close out the course
- Lab environment kept current, with an upgrade to Kubernetes 1.35 listed for April 2026
- Explanations praised as easy to follow, and Helm and Kustomize are included
Cons
- Reviewers say the mock exams are easier than the real CKAD
- Some lab solutions and exam walkthrough videos do not match each other
- Needs Kubernetes basics first, and a few sections jump in difficulty
What students say
Peter MwendaPerfect! Actually just realising now that this course only is enough for one to pass CKAD exam, the course provided by Linux Foundation is just a luxury that one doesn’t need, on a lighter note
Vishnu a KumarIt is a good course to learn everything and get a hands on experience as well, definitely not enough for a newbie to ace the exam, but really helps build all the foundation and clear the concepts.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
Infrastructure as code: Terraform and Ansible
7. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate 2026
Zeal Vora’s course prepares you for the HashiCorp Terraform Associate (004) exam with practical labs on AWS, more than 770 downloadable slides and two practice tests, in about 25.5 hours over 190 lectures. It has about 32,200 reviews at 4.7 and was updated in January 2026. Reviewers call the explanations simple and several say they passed the exam with it. You need an AWS account and basic AWS knowledge, one reviewer says it repeats itself, and you may want more practice exams than the two included.
Pros
- Zeal’s explanations are called simple and clear, with examples that make the key concepts stick
- Practical, lab-first approach on AWS, with easy practicals that reviewers say reinforce each topic
- Covers the full exam syllabus, and reviewers report passing the Associate exam after taking it
- Updated in January 2026 and includes 770+ slides to download
Cons
- Runs 25.5 hours, and one reviewer says it could be half that without repeated points
- Only two practice tests, and reviewers want more exam practice material
- Needs basic AWS knowledge and an account, and labs take longer than the video time
What students say
Soe Naing HtetThis course is incredible for mastering Terraform. It’s packed with insights and is definitely the best resource to help you pass the exam while getting comfortable with real-world usage.
Torpedoe1"There is no such thing as bad students but only bad teachers". Zeal is an excellent teacher. This course takes into account absolute beginners in Terraform. It was totally worth buying it !
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
8. Ansible for the Absolute Beginner - Hands-On - DevOps
Mumshad Mannambeth’s Ansible course is a quick start for sysadmins: YAML, inventory files, playbooks, modules, variables, conditionals, loops and roles, ending with a web server deployment, in about 2.3 hours over 48 lectures, with coding exercises in the browser. It has about 53,700 reviews at 4.5 and was updated in September 2026. Reviewers like that the labs need no setup. He moves fast, several wanted proper notes, and some labs send you to the Ansible documentation for things the lectures skip.
Pros
- Coding exercises run in the browser, no local Ansible or Linux setup needed
- Animated slides make abstract concepts like inventory and playbooks easier to follow
- Short at 2.3 hours, easy to finish in a weekend
- 4.5 rating across more than 53,000 reviews with a Bestseller badge
Cons
- Instructor moves fast; several reviewers had to pause or rewind to keep up
- Several reviewers wanted a PDF or better notes, saying slide copies alone aren’t enough to study from
- Some labs require concepts the lectures never fully explain, sending students to Ansible’s own docs
What students say
Michael KirkGood course and contnt, however I fund that when peforming the labs the enviroments where a bit slow and hung. Also the content didn't completely match some of the questions in the lab, so I had to make use of the ansible documentation to fill in the blanks.
Nihal Mansourgood course and clear explanation for beginners. but I would prefer to share the content as a power point slides because PDF document corrupts the inside content.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
CI/CD and the whole toolchain
9. GitLab CI/CD: Pipelines, CI/CD and DevOps for Beginners
Valentin Despa, a GitLab Hero, starts from a hello-world pipeline and builds up to code quality checks, tests, merge requests, review environments and deployments to AWS S3, ECS and plain servers over SSH, in about 13.9 hours over 155 lectures with 15 quizzes. It was updated in September 2026 and has about 25,600 reviews at 4.7. Reviewers like how quickly it gets hands on. The videos show an older GitLab interface, a large middle part is AWS, and it expects Git basics, a terminal and Docker installed.
Pros
- Starts with a simple hello-world pipeline and builds to complex cases step by step
- Pace praised by reviewers, with little theory before hands-on work
- Covers deployment to S3, ECS and SSH servers, plus caching and review environments
- Updated September 2026, with a 4.7 rating from more than 25,000 reviews
Cons
- Videos show an older GitLab interface, so newer v16+ screens take time to find
- Middle sections lean heavily on AWS, which one reviewer found off-topic for GitLab
- Needs Docker, Node and a verified GitLab account first; runner setup tripped one reviewer
What students say
David GRIFFE-GARRIGUETrès bonne formation. Je reste dans l'idée qu'il y a par moment trop d'explication mais elles prennent du sens maintenant qu'on arrive sur des choses pour lesquelles je manque d'expérience ou de recul.
Colin GordonThe course was fantastic. It was educational, engaging and had examples which were interesting and easy to understand. I've enjoyed this course very much indeed and learnt so much. Thank you.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
10. Decoding DevOps: From Basics to Advanced Projects with AI
Imran Teli’s course is the whole field in one place: Linux, networking, scripting, AWS, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Terraform, Ansible, monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana, Docker and Kubernetes, with AI assistants along the way and a GitOps project with ArgoCD, in about 63.8 hours over 378 lectures. It was updated in June 2026 and has about 49,100 reviews at 4.6. Reviewers find it clear and hands on. It is broad rather than deep, and some say it drags in long watch-along setups.
Pros
- Covers Linux, AWS, CI/CD, Terraform, Ansible, monitoring and Kubernetes in one place
- Reviewers say explanations are clear and most lessons are hands-on
- Real projects, including an AWS lift and shift and a Google Cloud build
- Updated in June 2026, with a Bestseller badge and about 290,000 students
Cons
- Some reviewers say it drags, with long setups and watch-me-do-it sections
- Breadth over depth: one reviewer says it only teaches the basics
- No coding exercises, and single reviewers report outdated steps and weak support
What students say
Bhadresh C. ParmarI learnt lot of things from this course . It is very helpful for beginner. This course design content step by step so that we clear the concepts . Thank you so much Udemy for this amazing course .
Talha RehmanIt's a nice course for beginners to intermediate and for experienced if they need to brush up their skills, for those learning new, i would recommend to learn completely one section before moving on to next section.
Reviews from students, via this course's page on CourseDuck.
Where to go next
Every course above has a full page on CourseDuck with its syllabus, our take and more student reviews; the cards link to them. The rest sit in our IT and software, AWS and Git categories, which rank every course we list by student reviews. Related guides: the best AWS courses for the cloud these tools usually run on, the best IT certification courses for other exams, and the best cyber security courses to keep it all safe.
