What is the difference between `docker-compose` and `docker compose`?

Historically, Docker Compose was a separate Python program (`docker-compose`). Recently, Docker rewrote it in Go and integrated it directly into the main CLI as a plugin (`docker compose`). Both syntaxes do the exact same thing on modern systems, but `docker compose` (no hyphen) is the modern standard.

Can I build an image from a Dockerfile using Compose?

Yes! Instead of using the `image: my-app` key, you use the `build: .` key. When you run `docker-compose up --build`, Compose will actually run the `docker build` command using the Dockerfile in the current directory before starting the container.

Do I put the `docker-compose.yml` file in the Git repository?

Absolutely. That is the entire point. It represents your infrastructure as code. Any new developer should be able to clone your repo, run one command, and have the exact same architecture as you.

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Docker Compose Syntax

Introduction to Docker Compose and Infrastructure as Code. Learn how to translate imperative `docker run` flags into a declarative `docker-compose.yml` file, and master the `up` and `down` lifecycle commands.

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