run docker compose yml file

Running a Docker Compose YML file is a great way to manage your application services in a more simplified and efficient manner.

Initially, Docker Compose is a tool used for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. It uses YAML files to configure these application’s services and with just a single command, you are able to create and start all the services from your configuration.

Step 1: Install Docker Compose

For you to run a Docker Compose YML file, Docker Compose must be installed first. To check if you already have Docker Composer installed, enter the following command in the command line:

docker-compose --version

If Docker Compose is not installed, you can download it from the Docker website.

Step 2: Create Docker Compose YML File

Next, you must create a Docker Compose YML file. This will serve as your guide for Docker on what steps to take when running your application. To do this, create a new directory, navigate into it using the command line, and create a new file named docker-compose.yml.

mkdir mydir
cd mydir
touch docker-compose.yml

Step 3: Define Services

This is where you define your application’s services, like the database, cache, etc. For instance, let’s define a simple service for a web server in your docker-compose.yml file.

version: '3'
services:
  web:
    build: .
    ports:
    - "5000:5000"

This example defines a simple service named ‘web’, builds it using the same directory, and binds the host and the exposed container ports.

Step 4: Build and Run your Application with Docker Compose

To do this, use the docker-compose up command. Docker will start and run your entire app.

docker-compose up

You can also run it in the background by using the -d option.

docker-compose up -d

You will see Docker carry out the sequence as defined in your Docker Compose YML file.

And there you go, you have just successfully run your Docker Compose YML file. It’s as simple as that! Of course, this is a basic guide and the specifics will vary based on your application’s requirements. Happy Docker Composing!