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Run a Multi-Container App

When to Use This Guide

Use this guide to start every service in a Compose file with a single command.

Quick Command

docker compose up -d

Step 1: Start the Stack

Run this from the folder containing your compose.yaml.

docker compose up -d
  • up creates and starts every service
  • -d runs them in the background

Add --build to rebuild your images first.

docker compose up -d --build

Step 2: Check the Services

docker compose ps

Every service should show as running.

Step 3: View the Logs

See the combined output of all services.

docker compose logs

Follow them live with docker compose logs -f.

Common Issues

"docker compose: command not found"

Some older installs use the hyphenated docker-compose. Try that, or update Docker.

A service keeps restarting

Check its logs with docker compose logs SERVICE_NAME to see the error.