Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Unlock the power of modern containerization with Cloud Native Buildpacks in this beginner-friendly course designed for hands-on learners. You’ll gain practical skills in building, managing, and customizing container images using Buildpacks without writing Dockerfiles. By the end of the course, you'll have a clear understanding of how Buildpacks simplify app deployment workflows across different languages and ecosystems. The course begins by introducing container images and explaining the core concepts and key features of Buildpacks. You’ll then move into practical setup, installing and using the Pack CLI tool across multiple operating systems. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced hands-on work with real-world apps. In the middle of the course, you’ll learn to build container images for Python, Node.js, and Java applications, including database integration. Later, you’ll dive deeper by creating your own Buildpacks and Builders, and configuring Procfiles. The course concludes with deploying and managing Buildpacks in Kubernetes environments using kpack, with complete demonstrations from setup to publishing OCI images. This course is ideal for developers, DevOps engineers, and anyone looking to simplify cloud-native app deployment using containerization. A basic understanding of software development and familiarity with the command line is helpful but not required. This is a Beginner level course. By the end of the course, you will be able to use Buildpacks to create container images, customize build workflows, work with multiple languages and frameworks, and integrate with Kubernetes environments using kpack.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the course's objectives, layout, and what learners can expect to achieve. You’ll gain a high-level understanding of the importance of Cloud Native Buildpacks. This sets the foundation for the hands-on modules ahead.

Introduction to Buildpacks

In this module, we will dive into the basics of container images and explore how Buildpacks streamline the containerization process. You’ll learn what Buildpacks are, why they matter, and how to navigate the official documentation effectively. This section lays the conceptual groundwork for deeper, hands-on usage.

Cloud Native Buildpacks - Essential Concepts

In this module, we will break down essential terminologies that you'll encounter when working with Cloud Native Buildpacks. Understanding these core concepts ensures you're well-equipped to follow along with the more technical, hands-on lessons ahead.

Getting Started with Pack CLI

In this module, we will introduce the Pack CLI tool, the primary interface for working with Buildpacks. You'll walk through installation across Mac, Linux, and Windows, and learn commonly used commands to build and manage container images effectively.

Building Application Images with Buildpacks

In this module, we will apply your Buildpacks knowledge to real-world examples by building images for Python, Node.js, and Java applications. You’ll also explore how to handle dependencies like databases, giving you a comprehensive look at Buildpacks in action.

Creating Your Own Buildpacks and Builders

In this module, we will explore how to build your own Buildpacks and Builders for customized development workflows. Through demonstrations, you'll gain the skills to extend Buildpacks' capabilities and understand the importance of Procfiles in app behavior configuration.

kpack for Kubernetes

In this module, we will move into Kubernetes-native territory with kpack, a powerful tool for automating image builds using Buildpacks. You’ll learn how to set up your environment, use the CLI and manifests, and even create a two-node Kubernetes cluster if desired.

Conclusion

In this module, we will wrap up the course with a concise summary of what you’ve learned, from fundamentals to advanced usage of Buildpacks and kpack. You’ll also get guidance on where to go next in your containerization journey.