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Docker CLI Docker Compose Cheat Sheet 2026

2 min read

Docker CLI — Docker Compose Cheat Sheet 2026

Docker CLI Docker Compose Cheat Sheet is the complete quick-reference of Docker CLI Docker Compose commands grouped by function. Copy any command with one click and find what you need with Ctrl+F in under 3 seconds.

Docker Compose

Action Command Useful flags
List all running containers 
docker compose ps
Create and start all containers in the background using a `docker-compose.yml` f 
docker compose up --detach
 --detach
Start all containers, rebuild if necessary 
docker compose up --build
 --build
Start all containers by specifying a project name and using an alternate compose 
docker compose --project-name <project_name> --file <path/to/file> up
 --project-name --file
Stop all running containers 
docker compose stop
Stop and remove all containers, networks, images, and volumes 
docker compose down --rmi all --volumes
 --rmi --volumes
Follow logs for all containers 
docker compose logs --follow
 --follow
Follow logs for a specific container 
docker compose logs --follow <container_name>
 --follow

⚠️ Dangerous / Destructive Commands

These commands are irreversible. Verify your environment (dev/staging vs prod) before running them.

Action Command Warning
⚠️ Destroy ⚠️ 
terraform destroy -auto-approve
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
kubectl delete namespace production
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Prune ⚠️ 
docker system prune -af --volumes
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
pvesh delete /nodes/{node}/qemu/{vmid}
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
az group delete --name MyResourceGroup --yes
 Irreversible — verify the target before running

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Docker Compose and the other groups?

Each group in this Docker CLI cheat sheet covers a distinct area. Docker Compose focuses on its specific scope, while the other groups and the remaining groups cover networking, storage, security and diagnostics respectively.

How do I check the installed Docker CLI version?

Run the version command (usually docker version or docker --version). The output shows the client and, when applicable, the server version.

Why does Docker CLI return ‘permission denied’?

A ‘permission denied’ error in Docker CLI usually means the current user lacks sufficient privileges or credentials are not configured. Check: (1) assigned IAM/RBAC roles, (2) an active authentication context via the corresponding login command.

How do I filter Docker CLI output by status or name?

Use flags such as --filter, --selector or --query depending on the tool. You can also pipe into grep or jq to process JSON: 

docker list | grep RUNNING

What is the fastest way to debug a Docker CLI error?

Add the verbose flag (--verbose, -v or --debug) to the failing command. This reveals the underlying HTTP/API calls and the full error response body.

Official sources & references

Commands cross-checked against vendor documentation and high-authority repositories: