Key Concepts to Understand
The essential mental models for using DS01 effectively.
What This Section Is
These docs explain the DS01-specific concepts to understand to work productively. They're concise, practical, and focused on "just enough theory" to use the system well.
Read these when:
- You want to understand DS01 before diving in
- Something confuses you while using the system
- You need a quick mental model for how things work
Time investment: 20 minutes total (or read individual topics as needed)
Core Concepts
1. Containers and Images
The most important concept in DS01.
Quick version: Images are blueprints (permanent). Containers are instances (temporary). Changing the blueprint doesn't change existing instances.
2. Ephemeral Containers
Why containers are temporary, and why that's good.
Quick version: Containers = temporary compute sessions. Workspace = permanent storage. Remove containers when done to free resources.
3. Workspaces and Persistence
Where your files actually live.
Quick version: /workspace/ is permanent (survives container removal). Everything else in the container is temporary.
4. Python Environments
Why you don't need venv/conda.
Quick version: Containers ARE your Python environment. Each project gets isolated packages via its Docker image.
Read this if: You're wondering where to create virtual environments (answer: you don't).
Quick Answers
"Where did my files go?"
Files outside
/workspace/are lost when container is removed. Always save to/workspace/<project>/.
"Why did my packages disappear?"
Packages installed with
pip installare temporary. Add them to your Dockerfile and rebuild the image.
"Why rebuild the image?"
Images are blueprints. Changing your Dockerfile changes the blueprint, but existing containers still use the old blueprint.
"Why remove containers?"
Frees GPU for others. Your workspace files are safe. Recreating containers takes ~30 seconds.
"Do I need virtual environments?"
No. Containers provide isolation. Each project has its own container with its own packages.
How These Differ from the Background Seection of this Repo
| This Section (Concepts) | Background Section |
|---|---|
| DS01-specific | General computing |
| "What you need to know" | "Why things work this way" |
| Practical focus | Educational focus |
| 20 min total | 1 hour total |
| Use DS01 effectively | Understand the technology |
Want deeper understanding? See Educational Computing Context.
Reading Order
Before first use (recommended):
- Containers and Images - 7 min
- Workspaces and Persistence - 5 min
After some initial use for familiarity:
- Ephemeral Containers - 5 min
- Python Environments - 3 min
Or: Just start using DS01 and come back here when confused.
Next Steps
Ready to use DS01?
Want deeper knowledge?
- Educational Computing Context - Linux, Docker, servers, industry practices