My First Steps with Docker on Windows 10

Hello there!

I’ve always been that person who loves tinkering with tech, whether it’s hardware or software. I enjoy figuring out how things work. Recently, I decided to take on something that has been sitting on my “must-try” list for a long time: Docker.

To be honest, Docker sounded intimidating at first. I imagined it was something only seasoned developers or big tech companies used. But curiosity got the better of me. I thought, why not give it a shot on my own Windows 10 PC? After all, the best way to learn is by doing.

So, I rolled up my sleeves and started experimenting. My first goal was to get WordPress running in Docker. It felt like stepping into a new world. Instead of wrestling with endless installations and configurations, Docker gave me a neat little container where everything just worked. It was like having a mini sandbox where I could play without worrying about breaking my system.

Quick note: This site is currently hosted using WordPress, and I wanted a containerized WordPress to learn safely without touching my other services.

Why am I sharing this

Because if you have ever felt that Docker is too complex or “not for beginners,” I want to tell you that it is absolutely doable. I am not a professional developer, just a tech enthusiast who loves learning new things. And if I can figure this out, so can you.

What I ran first: WordPress in Docker

The official WordPress image on Docker Hub makes this straightforward. It pairs nicely with MySQL or MariaDB using Docker Compose.

Helpful resources I used:

• Install Docker Desktop on Windows (system requirements, WSL 2, step by step)
  Source: Docker Docs
• Official WordPress image
  Source: Docker Hub
• Compose and WordPress quick start
  Source: Docker Docs

Tip: On Windows 10 Home, Docker Desktop runs Linux containers through WSL 2, which works well for a WordPress stack.
Source: Docker Desktop on Windows docs

Beginner tips I wish I knew

• Start with official images, WordPress plus MariaDB or MySQL, to avoid surprises.
  Source: WordPress Docker Hub image
• Keep credentials out of your repo, use environment variables or secrets.
  Source: Compose WordPress sample
• Name your project folder clearly, Docker Compose uses it in container names.
  Source: Compose and WordPress

This is just the beginning

I plan to share what I learn along the way, simple steps, real experiences, and maybe a few mistakes too. If you are curious about Docker or thinking of trying it, stick around. Let’s explore this together.

Have you tried Docker before? Or is it something you have been meaning to learn? Drop a comment, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Optional FAQ