Difference between Docker and Docker Compose and their respective uses

この記事の最終更新日: 2023年4月20日

Introduction
Docker and DockerCompose as tools
Docker commands
Docker Compose commands
Comparison of Docker and Docker Compose
Conclusion

Introduction

Docker and Docker-Compose are two different tools that support the development, deployment, and management of containerized applications. In this article, we will explain each command and their differences.

Docker and DockerCompose as tools

Docker and Docker-Compose are tools used to develop, deploy, and manage applications using container technology. Both deal with the lifecycle of containerized applications, but their usage and purposes differ. By understanding the features and differences of each tool, you can make the best choice for your project.

Docker commands

Docker is an open-source platform that packages applications and their dependencies into a single container. This container can run on any machine with the Docker engine installed. Docker commands are used to operate individual containers.

The main Docker commands include:

docker build
Builds an image based on the Dockerfile.
docker pull
Pulls an image from the repository.
docker run
Creates and runs a new container from the image.
docker stop
Stops a running container.
docker rm
Removes a container.

Docker Compose commands

Docker Compose is an open-source tool that allows you to define, launch, and manage multiple containers at once. With a YAML file, you can define multiple services and easily configure their interactions. Docker Compose commands are used to operate multi-container applications.

The main Docker Compose commands include:

docker-compose up
Builds, creates, and starts services defined in the Docker Compose file.
docker-compose down
Stops services defined in the Docker Compose file and removes resources.
docker-compose ps
Displays the status of services defined in the Docker Compose file.
docker-compose logs
Displays logs of services defined in the Docker Compose file.
docker-compose exec
Executes a command in a running container.

Comparison of Docker and Docker Compose

The main differences between Docker and Docker Compose are their purposes and scopes.

Docker commands
Docker commands are used to manage individual containers. They are suitable for applications or services that are self-contained in a single container or when manually linking multiple containers.
Docker Compose
Docker Compose commands are used to define, launch, and manage multiple containers at once. They can efficiently handle microservices architectures or applications with multiple interdependent services.

Which command to use depends on the requirements of your project. If you need to manage a single container or if managing each container is easy, Docker commands are suitable. On the other hand, if you need to efficiently manage an application composed of multiple containers, Docker Compose commands are ideal.

Conclusion

Docker and Docker Compose provide commands suited for different use cases. Docker is suitable for managing individual containers, while Docker Compose can define, launch, and manage multiple containers at once. Choose the appropriate tool according to your project’s requirements.

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