Docker Compose
Docker Compose is a way to define and run multi-container application stacks from a declarative configuration.
Where it fits
It is especially useful when an application depends on several cooperating services, for example a frontend, API, database, queue, cache, and reverse proxy.
Repeated project patterns
- Status Alganize uses Compose around its full-stack FastAPI and Vue deployment.
- MaRESS uses Compose for backend, frontend, and service dependencies during local or containerized setup.
- Study Duel uses Compose primarily for deployment and supporting services rather than as the only local runtime.
Trade-offs
- Compose is a strong local and small-deployment tool, but larger production environments still need clear practices around secrets, migrations, backups, and observability.
- Convenience can hide service coupling if the stack is only ever tested as one bundle.