Docker Compose Assistant (DCA)

Smart. Simple. Self‑Hosted Docker Compose Editor

Docker Compose Assistant (DCA) is a web-based editor for writing, validating, and improving docker-compose.yml files. It provides a clean interface, AI-powered analysis, and smart formatting — all self-hosted in Docker.

Overview

DCA makes working with Docker Compose files easier than ever. Use AI suggestions, syntax validation, smart formatting, and helpful code snippets — all locally and securely.

Key Features

  • Pluggable AI Providers: Google Gemini, local OpenAI-compatible models, or your own provider.
  • Privacy-First Local AI: All analysis runs locally; files never leave your network.
  • AI-Powered Analysis: Instant feedback on syntax, indentation, and deprecated keys.
  • Smart Formatting: Auto-format YAML with correct spacing and structure.
  • Syntax Snippets: Insert common blocks for services, networks, and volumes.
  • Structure Navigation: Jump between services, volumes, and networks in large files.
  • Contextual Help: Highlight a keyword for explanation and code examples.
  • Version Aware: Validate against Docker Compose versions (3.8, 2.4, etc.).
  • File Management: Load and save corrected docker-compose files.
  • Themes: Light, Dark, or Dracula for comfortable editing.

DCA Snapshot

Docker Compose Assistant Screenshot

About & User Guide

Description

Docker Compose Assistant is a client-side web application to simplify writing, editing, and debugging docker-compose.yml files. It leverages LLMs locally or via Cloud APIs to understand syntax, schemas, and best practices.

Getting Started

  • Initial Setup: Wizard guides AI provider selection (Google Gemini or local model).
  • Settings: Click the Settings (⚙️) icon to change provider, model, or API keys.

Editor Interface

  • Editor Panel (Left): Write/paste YAML with syntax highlighting and line numbers.
  • AI Feedback Panel (Right): Displays suggestions, diffs, explanations, and contextual help.

Core Features

Analyze & Fix

  • Click “Analyze & Fix” to get suggestions and corrections from AI.
  • View “Diff” before applying changes.

Format Code

  • Select Docker Compose version (“Format to Ver”) to automatically reformat YAML.

Contextual Help

  • Highlight any keyword and click “Select & Explain” for definition & example.

Explain File

  • Click “Explain” to get a high-level summary of the whole file.

Snippets

  • Use “Insert Snippet” dropdown to add common boilerplate code.

Limitations

  • AI Hallucinations: Always review suggested changes.
  • Client-Side State: Settings stored in browser local storage; clearing cache resets them.
  • Network Requirements: Cloud AI requires internet; local AI must be reachable.
  • File Size: Large docker-compose files may exceed AI context window.

Quick Start with Docker

Option 1: Docker Compose

services:
  dca-app:
    image: l1apps/docker-compose-assistant:latest
    container_name: docker-compose-assistant
    ports:
      - "8500:80"
    restart: unless-stopped

docker-compose up -d

http://localhost:8500

Option 2: Docker CLI

docker run -d -p 8500:80 --name docker-compose-assistant l1apps/docker-compose-assistant:latest

Option 3: Portainer (Stacks)

  1. Log into Portainer.
  2. Go to Stacks → Add Stack.
  3. Paste your docker-compose.yml.
  4. Deploy the stack.
  5. Access DCA at: 
    http://your-server-ip:8500

Recommended AI Models

  • Google Gemini: gemini-2.5-pro (default), gemini-2.5-flash
  • Local OpenAI-Compatible Models: llama3, codellama, mistral, phi3

Version History

  • v1.10.5
    • Added DEV_STANDARDS.md and version.ts for versioning.
    • Added CHANGELOG.md and HEALTHCHECK in Dockerfile.
  • v1.10.4
    • Consolidated docs into README.md.
    • Added new about.md.
    • Cleaned deprecated docs.
  • v1.10.3
    • Fix “Format to Ver” version update bug.
    • Updated Theme icon.
  • v1.10.2
    • “Format to Ver” immediately formats code.
    • Fixed “Jump To” highlighting issue.
    • Updated icons for Themes and About.
  • v1.10.1
    • Toolbar redesign, auto-format on version change, improved navigation, folder tab styling.

Docker & Source

Support

This app is free and self-hosted.
Click here to contact us for Support