How it works
Docker Projects requires a Compose file (compose.yml
) to define your application's services, networks, and configurations. When you open a project, Docker Projects automatically detects the Compose file, allowing you to configure and run services with pre-set commands.
By integrating with Docker Compose, Docker Projects ensures a consistent, easy-to-manage workflow for both individual developers and teams. Whether you're starting a new project, configuring it, or collaborating with a team, Docker Projects keeps the process simple.
Docker Projects works as follows:
Create or open a project. You can:
- Open a local project: Select a folder on your machine that contains your project code.
- Clone a Git repository: Provide a repository URL and clone the project into a local directory.
Once a project is opened, Docker Desktop detects the Compose file and prepares the project for execution.
Configure and run your project with pre-configured commands. These commands:
- Work like
docker compose up
, launching services based on the Compose file. - Can be customized with additional flags, multiple Compose files, and environment variables.
- Enable pre-run tasks, such as executing scripts before starting the services.
All of which means you can fine-tune your configurations without manually running complex CLI commands.
- Work like
Collaborate and share with teams. For projects linked to a Git repository, Docker Projects stores artifacts in the cloud, enabling easy collaboration:
- Work across devices: Open a project from any machine and instantly access stored configurations.
- Share configurations: Team members can access pre-defined run commands, reducing setup time.
Collaboration is easy — new developers can join a team, open a project, and start working without complex setup steps.
Manage and iterate. Once a project is up and running, Docker Projects makes it easy to monitor, update, and troubleshoot:
- View logs to debug issues and track service activity.
- Edit configurations and run commands as requirements change.