# What's next


The following sections provide step-by-step guides to help you understand core Docker concepts, building images, and running containers.

## The basics

Get started learning the core concepts of containers, images, registries, and Docker Compose.



## Building images

Craft optimized container images with Dockerfiles, build cache, and multi-stage builds.



## Running containers

Master essential techniques for exposing ports, overriding defaults, persisting data, sharing files, and managing multi-container applications.