Docker / Compose, Swarm & Production Security
Separate Compose dependency startup order from application readiness
A dependency can be started while still initializing. Whether Compose waits for readiness depends on the model's supported dependency conditions.
Environment and inputs: Docker Engine · Compose v2 and Buildx where specified; Linux containers unless noted. Verify daemon context, installed feature support and authorized host or Swarm manager access first.
Start with this check
Confirm the environment and replace sample objects, namespaces, images, paths and hosts with approved targets. Share only relevant, sanitized output. Follow the workload owner’s process for changes.
docker compose psRead the result
The current service and health summary provides runtime context, but the dependency definition and application contract still require private source inspection.
Resolve and verify
Use meaningful healthchecks and supported dependency conditions where appropriate, and implement robust application connection handling. Validate cold startup and backend restarts.
Before changing production
Do not assume depends_on alone guarantees a database is ready or that Compose repairs every later dependency failure.