What are some examples of using variables in Docker Compose?

Can you give me some examples of how to use variables in Docker Compose?

Sure! In Docker Compose, you can use variables to customize your configuration. For example, you can define a variable in your .env file like MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=my-secret-pw and reference it in your docker-compose.yml file as ${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD}.

What if I want to set default values for these variables?

You can set default values directly in your docker-compose.yml file using the syntax MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: ${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD:-default_password}. This way, if the variable is not set, it will use default_password.

Can I use variables for service names or image names?

Yes, you can! For instance, you can define a variable for the image name like IMAGE_NAME=myapp and use it in your docker-compose.yml as image: ${IMAGE_NAME}.

Are there any best practices for using variables in Docker Compose?

It's best to keep your .env file organized and avoid hardcoding sensitive information directly in your docker-compose.yml. Also, document your variables for clarity.