Docker Compose Cheat Sheet
Define multi-service apps in a compose file and drive them with one CLI — the local dev + CI workhorse.
Containers4 sections · 24 commands
⌘K
Lifecycle
8docker compose upCreate and start services (foreground)
docker compose up -dStart in detached mode
docker compose up --build -dRebuild images then start
docker compose downStop and remove containers + network
docker compose down -vAlso remove named volumes
docker compose up -d SERVICEStart a single service
docker compose restartRestart all services
docker compose pullUpdate images to the tag in compose
Logs & Status
5docker compose psShow service status and ports
docker compose logsLogs from all services
docker compose logs -f SERVICEFollow one service's logs
docker compose logs --tail=100 SERVICELast 100 lines of a service
docker compose eventsStream container events
Working Inside
6docker compose exec SERVICE /bin/shOpen a shell in a running service
docker compose exec SERVICENAME envInspect the service environment
docker compose run --rm SERVICE CMDRun a one-off command in a new container
docker compose build SERVICEBuild one service's image
docker compose configValidate and render the merged config
docker compose config --servicesList service names
Scaling & Scratch
5docker compose up --scale api=3 -dRun 3 replicas of a service
docker compose down --rmi allRemove images too
docker compose --env-file .env.prod up -dUse an alternate env file
docker compose -f compose.yml -f compose.override.yml upMerge multiple files
docker compose topProcesses per service