🚀 How to Provide Docker Compose Files for Support

When running Docker containers, you might often need assistance from communities on Reddit, Discord, or other platforms. One of the most common requests you’ll encounter is:

"Please provide your Docker Compose file."

To ensure you get the best help possible, it’s important to share the Docker Compose configurations for all your relevant applications.

🧩 Why Docker Compose Files Are Important

Docker Compose files provide a detailed blueprint of how your containers are set up and how they interact with each other. This information is crucial for troubleshooting issues, as it allows others to replicate your environment and identify potential problems.

If you're using a system with a graphical user interface (GUI) such as Synology, unRAID, or OpenMediaVault (OMV), generating a Docker Compose file isn’t as straightforward as with command-line based systems. However, it is still possible with the right tools and commands.

⚠️ Avoid Using Screenshots

Please avoid sharing screenshots of your Docker settings. Screenshots often miss critical details and can make troubleshooting more difficult.

📜 Generating Docker Compose Files

To generate a Docker Compose file, you can use the docker-autocompose tool. This tool allows you to create Compose files directly from the running containers on your system. Follow these steps to generate your Docker Compose files:

1. Open a Terminal

Use a terminal application of your choice to access your system.

2. Run the docker-autocompose Command

Use the following command to generate the Docker Compose file. You can include multiple container names in the command.

sudo docker run --rm -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock ghcr.io/red5d/docker-autocompose CONTAINER_NAME CONTAINER_NAME2

For example, to generate a Docker Compose file for Sonarr, Radarr, Bazarr, and NZBGet, you would use:

sudo docker run --rm -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock ghcr.io/red5d/docker-autocompose sonarr radarr bazarr nzbget

Note: you can run the above command with multiple application names as shown in the example.

Once you run the command, it will generate a Docker Compose file.

Please be cautious pasting the output publicly. This Compose file could contain sensitive information - see the warning below.

When sharing your Docker Compose file, ensure that you do not post it directly in public forums, Discord, or other open platforms without first reviewing and redacting any sensitive information. This includes any credentials, API keys, or other personal data that might be included in the configuration.

Consider sharing the information through private messages or secure channels to ensure your data remains protected. You could also use a pastebin - PrivateBin is my recommendation. PrivateBin offers a "burn time" and password protection.

🏁 Conclusion

By following these steps, you can provide detailed and accurate Docker Compose files that will significantly improve the quality of support you receive. Clear, comprehensive configurations make it easier for others to diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring you get the help you need more efficiently.

I will leave you with a nifty site called Composerize that will transform a docker run command into a copy paste ready compose file format.

Remember, providing the right information is the first step toward effective troubleshooting and support. 🚀