Docker Interview Questions Decoded: Interactive vs. Detached Mode, Container Operations, and Real-World Scalable Pipelines (The Guide That Covers 90% of What Hiring Managers Ask)

Docker has transformed modern software development by enabling developers to build, ship, and run applications in isolated, reproducible environments. However, mastering Docker requires understanding its core operational modes—interactive and detached—and advanced container management techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these concepts in depth, address common pitfalls, and walk through a real-world pipeline project with modern best practices. By the end, you’ll be equipped to deploy scalable, secure, and maintainable containerized applications.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Docker Containers

   • What Are Containers?
   • Why Docker?

2. Interactive vs. Detached Mode

   • Running Containers Interactively
   • Running Containers in Detached Mode
   • Key Differences and Use Cases

3. Essential Container Operations

• Lifecycle Management
• Logging and Debugging
• Executing Commands in Running Containers
• Data Persistence with Volumes

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