What is the purpose of the docker-compose.yml file?

The docker-compose.yml file is a crucial component in managing multi-container Docker applications. Its primary purpose is to define services, networks, and volumes in a structured manner.

When you are working on a project that requires multiple containers, using a docker-compose.yml file allows you to specify configurations for each service, such as the image to use, environment variables, ports that need to be exposed, and how the containers should interact with one another through defined networks. This configuration simplifies the deployment process by enabling you to start all of your containers with a single command, rather than managing each container individually through the Docker CLI.

By encapsulating all these settings into one file, it promotes consistency and scalability for application deployments, making it easier for developers to collaborate and share setups. This clarity and simplicity is what makes using docker-compose and its yml files beneficial when dealing with complex applications that consist of multiple interdependent services.