302 — Docker Compose Fundamentals

Learn to define and run multi-container applications with Docker Compose. Master YAML configuration, service dependencies, and orchestrating complex applications.

Learning Objectives

Write docker-compose.yml files

Define services, networks, and volumes declaratively

Manage multi-container applications

Use environment variables and configuration

Understand service dependencies and startup order

Step 1

Verify Docker Compose installation

Check that Docker Compose is installed and ready to use.

Commands to Run

docker compose version

What This Does

Docker Compose is now integrated into Docker as 'docker compose' (V2). Older versions use 'docker-compose' (V1 with hyphen).

Expected Outcome

You'll see the Docker Compose version, e.g., 'Docker Compose version v2.x.x'.

Pro Tips

1
Modern Docker includes Compose V2 ('docker compose')
2
If command fails, install Docker Compose from docs.docker.com
3
V2 is faster and better integrated than V1
4
Both versions use the same YAML format