Docker Compose Patterns

Overview

Use this skill to define reliable multi-service local stacks for development, debugging, and integration testing.

Scope Boundaries

• Use this skill when the task matches the trigger condition described in description.
• Do not use this skill when the primary task falls outside this skill's domain.

Shared References

• Dependency and startup patterns:
  • references/compose-dependency-guidance.md

Templates And Assets

• Compose stack baseline:
  • assets/compose-stack-template.yaml
• Operations runbook:
  • assets/compose-operations-runbook-template.md

Inputs To Gather

• Services and dependencies required for target workflows.
• Required startup order and readiness conditions.
• Shared volumes/networks and data persistence needs.
• Local resource constraints and isolation requirements.

Deliverables

• Compose service topology with explicit dependency rules.
• Health-check strategy and startup stabilization policy.
• Environment and secret handling policy for local use.
• Developer runbook for common stack operations.

Quick Example

• API depends on DB and cache with health-check gating.
• Use named network; avoid host network unless required.
• Use profiles to separate optional services (e.g., observability tools).

Quality Standard

• Dependency behavior is deterministic and health-driven.
• Service contracts (ports, env, volumes) are explicit.
• Local stack startup/shutdown is repeatable.
• Secret handling avoids committing sensitive defaults.

Workflow

1. Map required services and dependency graph.
2. Define compose services, networks, volumes, and env boundaries using assets/compose-stack-template.yaml.
3. Add health checks and readiness-aware dependency rules.
4. Validate full stack startup and critical workflows.
5. Document operational commands and troubleshooting notes in assets/compose-operations-runbook-template.md.

Failure Conditions

• Stop when service dependencies are implicit or race-prone.
• Stop when local stack requires unsafe credential handling.
• Escalate when resource contention prevents reliable local execution.