Question

How do you structure your Docker Compose files for development versus production environments?

Different environments often demand different configurations for debugging, scaling, and security needs. This question focuses on how you create Docker Compose files that are suitable to the unique needs of development, production environments, etc., yet maintain efficiency and consistency.

Answer 1

Structuring Docker Compose files requires balancing simplicity for development and robustness for production.

Approach:

Separate Compose Files: Maintain separate files, e.g., docker-compose.dev.yml and docker-compose.prod.yml, for each environment.
Override Configurations: Use the extends keyword or --env-file to override settings like ports, volumes, or environment variables.
Environment-Specific Settings:
Development: Use bind mounts for real-time code updates and expose debugging ports.
Production: Use pre-built Docker images, configure resource limits, and integrate logging mechanisms.

​Automation: Use Docker Compose commands like docker-compose -f docker-compose.yml -f docker-compose.prod.yml up to combine files dynamically.