🧪 5 Free Labs to Practice Cloud Tools
Master Cloud, DevOps, and Containers with these hands-on, browser-based playgrounds — no install, no stress.
1. ✅ Katacoda (by O’Reilly)
- Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, VMs, DevOps
- Highlights: Interactive terminal, guided labs, real CLI access
- Link: https://katacoda.com
2. ✅ Play with Docker
- Tools: Docker, Swarm
- Highlights: Free 4-hour sessions, real Docker instance, create & test containers
- Link: labs.play-with-docker.com
3. ✅ Play with Kubernetes
- Tools: Kubernetes (kubectl, YAML, Helm)
- Highlights: 4-hour cluster lab, deploy pods/services without installing anything
- Link: labs.play-with-k8s.com
4. ✅ GitHub Codespaces
- Tools: Linux VM, Docker, DevContainers
- Highlights: Free VM per repo, use Docker inside browser, ideal for project-based learning
- Link: github.com/features/codespaces
5. ✅ Google Cloud Shell
- Tools: gcloud CLI, Docker, Kubernetes, container registry
- Highlights: Free Linux VM in browser, 5GB persistent disk, runs on GCP
- Link: shell.cloud.google.com
💡 Bonus Labs for Cloud Practice
- KodeKloud – Interactive DevOps playgrounds (Docker, K8s, Ansible)
- Instruqt – Labs for Terraform, containers, CI/CD
- KubeAcademy – Kubernetes fundamentals by VMware
⚠️ No installation needed for any of these labs. Just open and start typing commands. Perfect for laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks!