Docker Compose is a powerful tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. It allows you to manage your application's services, networks, and volumes using a YAML file. Below is a comprehensive list of essential Docker Compose commands to help you manage your containerized environments efficiently.

Core Docker Compose Operations

These commands are fundamental for starting, stopping, and managing your Docker Compose services.

Starting and Stopping Containers

# To start all containers defined in the docker-compose.yml file:
docker-compose up

# To start all containers in the background (detached mode):
docker-compose up -d

# To stop all running containers:
docker-compose stop

# To stop and remove all containers, networks, images, and volumes:
docker-compose down --rmi all --volumes

Rebuilding and Running Specific Services

Learn how to rebuild images and run only specific services when needed.

# To rebuild the images before starting all containers:
docker-compose up --build

# To start only specific containers:
docker-compose up <container_name_1> <container_name_2>

Inspecting and Monitoring Containers

Gain insights into your running containers and their logs.

Listing and Viewing Logs

# To list all running containers:
docker-compose ps

# To follow logs output from all containers:
docker-compose logs --follow

# To follow logs output from a specific container:
docker-compose logs --follow <container_name>

Environment Variables

Check the environment variables set for a running container.

# To display the environment variables used by a running container:
docker-compose run <container_name> env

Advanced Docker Compose Usage

Explore more advanced commands for greater control over your Docker Compose setup.

Using Specific Compose Files

# To start all containers defined in a given compose file:
docker-compose -f <path/to/compose_file.yml> up

Docker Compose simplifies the orchestration of complex applications. By mastering these commands, you can effectively manage your development and production environments.

For more in-depth information, refer to the official Docker Compose documentation.