What is the primary purpose of Docker Compose?

The primary purpose of Docker Compose is to define and run multi-container Docker applications. It allows users to specify the services, networks, and volumes required for their application in a single YAML file, known as docker-compose.yml. This orchestration tool simplifies the development workflow by enabling developers to manage multiple containers as a single application.

With Docker Compose, users can easily start all services with a single command, handle environment variables, and define dependencies between services, making it a valuable tool for applications that require several interconnected containers to function properly. This capability is essential for microservices architectures, where applications are assembled from various components that need to communicate with one another seamlessly.

In contrast to managing storage, monitoring performance, or creating custom images, which are essential aspects of container management and orchestration, they do not encapsulate the primary role of Docker Compose. Its focus is on orchestrating the deployment and configuration of multiple containers, rather than handling individual elements of container behavior or performance metrics.