docker compose start Command

Docker command reference


The `docker compose start` command is used to start Docker Compose service containers that already exist but are currently in a stopped state.

Unlike `docker compose up`, it does not create new containers or rebuild images; it only starts containers that have already been created but stopped.

Syntax

docker compose start [SERVICE...]
  • SERVICE(Optional): Specify the name of the service to start. If not specified, all stopped service containers will be started.

Example

1. Start all stopped services

docker compose start

This will start all containers that are currently in a stopped state.

2. Start a specific service

docker compose start web

Only starts the container of the `web` service, without affecting other services.


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