Compose Editing Evolved: Schema-Driven and Context-Aware

Every day, thousands of developers are creating and editing Compose files. At Docker, we are regularly adding more features to Docker Compose such as the new provider services capability that lets you run AI models as part of your multi-container applications with Docker Model Runner. We know that providing a first-class editing experience for Compose files is key to empowering our users to ship amazing products that will delight their customers. We are pleased to announce today some new additions to the Docker Language Server that will make authoring Compose files easier than ever before.

Schema-Driven Features

To help you stay on the right track as you edit your Compose file, the Docker Language Server brings the Compose specification into the editor to help minimize window switching and keeps you in your editor where you are most productive.

Figure 1: Leverage hover tooltips to quickly understand what a specific Compose attribute is for.

Context-Aware Intelligence

Although attribute names and types can be inferred from the Compose specification, certain attributes have a contextual meaning on them and reference values of different attributes or content from another file. The Docker Language Server understands these relationships and will suggest the available values so that there is no guesswork on your part.

Figure 2: Code completion understands how your files are connected and will only give you suggestions that are relevant in your current context.

Freedom of Choice

The Docker Language Server is built on the Language Server Protocol (LSP) which means you can connect it with any LSP-compatible editor of your choosing. Whatever editor you like using, we will be right there with you to guide you along your software development journey.

Figure 3: The Docker Language Server can run in any LSP-compliant editor such as the JetBrains IDE with the LSP4IJ plugin.

Conclusion

Docker Compose is a core part of hundreds of companies’ development cycles. By offering a feature-rich editing experience with the Docker Language Server, developers everywhere can test and ship their products faster than ever before. Install the Docker DX extension for Visual Studio Code today or download the Docker Language Server to integrate it with your favourite editor.

What’s Next

Your feedback is critical in helping us improve and shape the Docker DX extension and the Docker Language Server.

If you encounter any issues or have ideas for enhancements that you would like to see, please let us know:

• Open an issue on the Docker DX VS Code extension GitHub repository or the Docker Language Server GitHub repository 
• Or submit feedback through the Docker feedback page

We’re listening and excited to keep making things better for you!

Learn More

• Setup the Docker Language Server after installing LSP4IJ in your favorite JetBrains IDE.