# Compose

The compose feature is based on Docker Compose, used to define and run multi-container applications. Describe the application's services, networks, and volumes through a YAML file, then start the entire application with one click.

## Compose List

Go to **Container** > **Compose** tab to view the compose list.

![Compose List](/images/container/compose-list.png)

The list displays the following information:

- **Name**: Compose project name
- **Directory**: Directory where docker-compose.yml file is located
- **Status**: Running status
- **Created Time**: Creation time
- **Actions**: Start, stop, edit, etc.

## Create Compose

1. Click the **Create Compose** button
2. Enter compose name
3. Write or paste docker-compose.yml content
4. Configure environment variables (optional)
5. Click Create

![Create Compose](/images/container/compose-create.png)

### docker-compose.yml Example

```yaml
version: '3'
services:
  web:
    image: nginx:latest
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    volumes:
      - ./html:/usr/share/nginx/html
    depends_on:
      - app
  app:
    image: php:8.4-fpm
    volumes:
      - ./html:/var/www/html
  db:
    image: mysql:8.4
    environment:
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: your_password
      MYSQL_DATABASE: myapp
    volumes:
      - db_data:/var/lib/mysql
volumes:
  db_data:
```

## Compose Operations

### Start Compose

Click the **Start** button and a confirmation dialog will pop up:

![Start Compose](/images/container/compose-start.png)

- **Force Pull Images**: When checked, will pull the latest images before starting

After clicking confirm, the startup progress will be displayed:

![Startup Progress](/images/container/compose-starting.png)

Starting compose will create and start all defined service containers.

### Stop Compose

Stopping compose will stop all related containers, but will not delete containers and data.

### Delete Compose

Deleting compose will stop and delete all related containers.

::: warning Note
Deleting compose will not delete data volumes. To delete data volumes, please manually delete them on the **Volume** page.
:::

### Edit Compose

Click the **Edit** button in the compose list to modify the docker-compose.yml file content and environment variables.

![Edit Compose](/images/container/compose-edit.png)

After modification, you need to restart the compose for changes to take effect.

## Use Cases

Compose is suitable for the following scenarios:

- **Multi-container Applications**: Such as Web application + database + cache
- **Development Environment**: Quickly set up a consistent development environment
- **Microservices Architecture**: Manage multiple interdependent services

## Difference from Container Templates

| Feature              | Compose                           | Container Templates                      |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Configuration Method | Write YAML manually               | Graphical interface                      |
| Flexibility          | Fully customizable                | Use preset configuration + customization |
| Use Cases            | Custom complex applications       | Quick deployment of common applications  |
| Learning Cost        | Need to understand Compose syntax | No learning required                     |