How to Fix “docker: ‘compose’ is not a docker command” Error

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Docker has become an indispensable tool in the world of software development, allowing users to containerize and manage applications seamlessly. Docker Compose further enhances Docker’s capabilities by enabling users to define and run multi-container Docker applications with ease. However, you might encounter the error “docker: ‘compose’ is not a docker command” when trying to use Docker Compose. This error typically arises due to misconfigurations or misunderstandings about Docker Compose’s integration with Docker, especially with the introduction of Docker Compose V2. This article outlines practical steps to resolve this issue and ensure smooth operation of Docker Compose commands.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Error

The error message “docker: ‘compose’ is not a docker command” indicates that the Docker CLI cannot recognize ‘compose’ as a subcommand. This issue can occur in several scenarios, including:

Docker Compose V2 is not enabled or properly installed: Docker Compose V2 integrates the docker compose command directly into the Docker CLI as a plugin, replacing the standalone docker-compose command.
Path misconfiguration: The Docker Compose binary is not located in a directory included in the system’s PATH environment variable, or there’s an issue with Docker CLI plugins path configuration.
Outdated Docker version: Older versions of Docker might not support Docker Compose V2 or the docker compose subcommand.

Resolving the Issue

Enabling Docker Compose V2

Note: The option below shouldn’t exist in the latest Docker Desktop installations on Windows, Linux, and Mac, as the Docker Compose V2 component is enabled by default.

For users of Docker Desktop (Windows and Mac), ensure that Docker Compose V2 is enabled:

Open Docker Desktop.
Go to Settings (or Preferences on Mac) > General.
Check the box next to Use Docker Compose V2.
Apply and restart Docker Desktop.

For Linux users or those who manually installed Docker, ensure Docker Compose V2 is installed and recognized as a Docker CLI plugin:

Download the latest Docker Compose V2 release from the official GitHub repository (https://github.com/docker/compose/releases).
Place the binary in the Docker CLI plugins directory, usually ~/.docker/cli-plugins/, and rename it to docker-compose.
Apply executable permissions to the binary:

chmod +x ~/.docker/cli-plugins/docker-compose

Verify the installation by running:

docker compose version

Updating Docker

Ensure you’re using a version of Docker that supports Docker Compose V2. Update Docker to the latest version available for your platform. For most Linux distributions, you can update Docker using the package manager:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

For CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum update docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Verifying the Docker Compose Command

After enabling Docker Compose V2 or updating Docker, verify that the docker compose command is recognized:

docker compose version

This command should output the version of Docker Compose V2, indicating that it is correctly installed and recognized as a subcommand of Docker.

Transitioning from Docker-Compose to Docker Compose

If you’ve been using the standalone docker-compose command (V1), start transitioning to the docker compose syntax (V2). Update your scripts and workflows accordingly. While Docker Compose V1 is still supported, Docker Compose V2 offers improved performance and tighter integration with the Docker ecosystem.

Conclusion

The “docker: ‘compose’ is not a docker command” error is a common issue that can typically be resolved by enabling Docker Compose V2, updating Docker to the latest version, or ensuring proper installation of Docker Compose as a Docker CLI plugin. By following the outlined steps, developers can overcome this hurdle, leveraging Docker Compose V2’s capabilities for efficient management of multi-container applications. Remember, keeping your Docker environment up to date is crucial for accessing the latest features and ensuring compatibility across Docker tools.

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Anastasios Antoniadis

Anastasios Antoniadis is the founder and editor-in-chief of BORDERPOLAR... He is a software engineer, blogger, and avid gamer covering tech, gaming, and coding guides for over 4 years. He is a 2014 graduate of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Athens, an M.Sc. holder in Computer Science, and a Ph.D. student in Program Analysis.