Docker Compose simplifies managing multi-container applications. However, its commands—stop, down, up, and start—can be confusing. This guide clarifies their differences to improve your Docker Compose workflow.
Table of Contents
Understanding docker compose stop and docker compose down
Both commands halt your application’s containers, but their impact differs significantly:
| Feature | docker compose stop |
docker compose down |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Gracefully stops running containers. | Stops containers, then removes containers, networks, and volumes. |
| Containers | Containers remain; can be restarted. | Containers are removed. |
| Networks | Networks are preserved. | Networks are removed. |
| Volumes | Volumes are preserved. | Volumes are removed (unless the -v flag is used). |
| Data Persistence | Data in volumes is retained. | Data in volumes is lost unless preserved with -v. |
| Restart | Use docker compose start to restart. |
Requires docker compose up to restart. |
| Use Case | Temporary halt; quick restart. | Clean shutdown and complete removal of the application. |
In essence: docker compose stop pauses your application, while docker compose down uninstalls it. Use stop for temporary interruptions and down for a clean start. Always consider the -v flag with down to preserve valuable data.
Comparing docker compose start and docker compose up
Both commands bring your application online, but their behavior depends on the application’s previous state:
| Feature | docker compose start |
docker compose up |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Starts previously stopped containers. | Creates, starts, and manages containers and networks. |
| Containers | Starts only existing stopped containers. | Creates containers if they don’t exist; starts existing ones. |
| Networks | Uses existing networks. | Creates networks if they don’t exist; uses existing ones. |
| Volumes | Uses existing volumes. | Creates volumes if they don’t exist; uses existing ones. |
| Prerequisites | Requires pre-existing containers (from a previous docker compose up or manual creation). |
No prior container existence is needed. |
| Use Case | Restarting a stopped application. | Initial setup and subsequent starts after docker compose down. |
docker compose start restarts stopped containers, while docker compose up is all-encompassing, handling creation and startup. Use start after stop and up for initial setup or a fresh start after down. The -d flag with up runs containers detached (in the background).
Mastering these commands ensures efficient resource use and data preservation. Always refer to the official Docker Compose documentation for the latest information and advanced options.