We recommend starting with our #dev guidelines and then use #essentials.
It's basically the same as in our #dev workflow, only without the "downloading" process to your host.
Using #essentials is more about "uploading" your shop from the host to your container.
You can also use all tools like XDebug, watchers, mailcatcher, and also additional features of Docker and more.
(Please keep in mind that you might need to modify some commands in your own project to make them work with the integrated dockware services).
Essentials Image: