Docker Compose Watch Mode (2025 GA) Skill

Docker Compose Watch Mode (2025 GA)

Docker Compose Watch enables automatic hot reload during local development by synchronizing file changes instantly without manual container restarts.

Three Watch Actions

1. sync - Hot Reload

For frameworks with hot reload (React, Next.js, Node.js, Flask). Copies changed files directly into running container.

2. rebuild - Compilation

For compiled languages (Go, Rust, Java) or dependency changes. Rebuilds image and recreates container when files change.

3. sync+restart - Config Changes

For configuration files requiring restart. Syncs files and restarts container.

Usage

services:
  frontend:
    build: ./frontend
    develop:
      watch:
        - action: sync
          path: ./frontend/src
          target: /app/src
          ignore: [node_modules/, .git/]
        - action: rebuild
          path: ./frontend/package.json

Start with: docker compose up --watch

Benefits

Better performance than bind mounts
No file permission issues
Intelligent syncing
Supports rebuild capability
Works on all platforms

Agent Skills: Docker Compose Watch Mode (2025 GA)

Install this agent skill to your local

Skill Files